SHC Directs Prompt Removal Of inappropriate Content From Facebook And Other Apps

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has taken a decisive step by ordering the removal of objectionable content from various social media platforms utilized in Pakistan. Chief Justice Qazi Aqeel Abbasi issued this directive during the hearing of a petition that raised concerns about the promotion of vulgar content on social media.

The petitioner’s counsel argued during the hearing that obscenity is proliferating on social media under the guise of family vlogs, emphasizing the need for intervention to address this issue. In response, the lawyer representing the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed the court about the necessity of submitting a request to the relevant authorities to take down indecent content from social media platforms. The lawyer also requested additional time to provide a comprehensive response to the court.

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Chief Justice Qazi Aqeel Abbasi, in light of the arguments presented, emphasized that it is imperative to remove indecent content from prominent social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. He further sought a detailed report on the actions taken to ensure compliance with the court’s directive.

However, the efficacy of these measures remains to be seen, especially given the current situation where social media platform X has been inaccessible in Pakistan for four consecutive days. The inability to access the platform has led users to resort to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass restrictions and continue using the platform. Despite the increasing use of VPNs, there has been no official response from the authorities regarding the accessibility issue surrounding social media platform X.

The SHC’s order to remove objectionable content highlights the ongoing efforts to regulate and monitor content on social media platforms in Pakistan. The court’s directive underscores the importance of maintaining decency and curbing the spread of inappropriate material, particularly when disguised as family-friendly content. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how swiftly and effectively the relevant authorities will address the concerns raised during the court hearing and ensure compliance with the SHC’s directives regarding the removal of indecent content from social media platforms.