ISLAMABAD – February 1 (ONLINE) The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Wednesday downgraded the services of Wikipedia for a timeline of 48 hours for not “blocking/removing sacrilegious content”.
“Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has degraded Wikipedia services in the country on account of not blocking / removing sacrilegious contents,” the authority said in a statement issued Wednesday.
“Wikipedia was approached for blocking / removal of the said contents by issuing a notice under applicable law and court order(s). An opportunity of hearing was also provided, however, the platform neither complied by removing the blasphemous content nor appeared before the Authority,” the statement added.
The Telecommunication Authority said Wikipedia’s services will remain degraded for 48 hours as the Site “failed to comply with the directions of PTA.”
“The restoration of the services of Wikipedia will be reconsidered subject to blocking / removal of the reported unlawful contents. PTA is committed to ensuring a safe online experience for all Pakistani citizens according to local laws,” the communiqué issued by PTA stated.
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