The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked over 5,000 websites identified by Interpol for hosting child sexual abuse material. To strengthen its efforts against online child exploitation, PTA has introduced a dedicated ‘Child Abuse’ category in its Complaint Management System (CMS).
The system, equipped with a mobile app, allows individuals to lodge complaints under specific categories, generating automated complaint IDs for seamless tracking. A dedicated team analyzes each case, coordinates with social media platforms, and ensures swift removal or blocking of unlawful content. PTA is also collaborating with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to secure additional URLs for timely action.
In collaboration with the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) and UNICEF, PTA has contributed to a comprehensive report PTA Blocks Over 5,000 Websites Identified by Interpol for Child Sexual Abuse
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked over 5,000 websites identified by Interpol for hosting child sexual abuse material, according to a PTA document. To strengthen its efforts against online child exploitation, PTA has introduced a dedicated ‘Child Abuse’ category in its Complaint Management System (CMS). The system, equipped with a mobile app, allows individuals to lodge complaints under specific categories, generating automated complaint IDs for seamless tracking. A dedicated team analyzes each case, coordinates with social media platforms, and ensures swift removal or blocking of unlawful content. PTA is also collaborating with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to secure additional URLs for timely action.
In collaboration with the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) and UNICEF, PTA has contributed to a comprehensive report titled “Situation Analysis of Child Online Protection in Pakistan.” The report delves into the risks associated with children’s Internet usage, various forms of online child exploitation, and challenges in the digital landscape. It highlights gaps in Pakistan’s legal and institutional frameworks, identifying enforcement challenges and obstacles to effective child online protection. The report also provides targeted recommendations for policymakers, law enforcement, educators, and other stakeholders to address these challenges efficiently.
To expand online safety education for children, PTA has translated the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) mascot initiative, “Online Safety with Sango,” into Urdu. The initiative, completed in April 2024, features five engaging lessons teaching children about personal data protection and safe digital practices. By localizing Sango’s lessons, PTA aims to make essential online safety concepts accessible to a broader audience of children across Pakistan.
PTA is also exploring the introduction of Network Level Parental Control Software in collaboration with Internet Service Providers (ISPs). This software, inspired by global best practices, will allow parents to manage and restrict their children’s online activities while ensuring a safe digital environment. Comprehensive consultations with industry stakeholders are underway to finalize the feasibility of this initiative. Once deployed, the software will represent a significant step forward in shielding children from online risks such as inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and screen addiction.
Despite these advancements, PTA acknowledges that technical safeguards alone cannot fully address the growing online threats to children. The document underscores the need for a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach involving governments, tech companies, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, and civil society.
Empowering parents through capacity-building programs and implementing strict penalties under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, are crucial to deterring malicious actors. Collaborative efforts are essential to ensuring a safe and constructive digital environment for children in Pakistan.
