Social media platforms: SHC directs PTA to ensure removal of unlawful content

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court directed Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to ensure filtration of all the videos uploaded on the various internet applications including Tik-Tok and timely removal of those containing unlawful and objectionable material.

Disposing of lawsuit seeking ban of the social media application Tik-Tok for promoting immoral and obscene content on its platform on Thursday, the SHC’s single bench headed by Justice Irfan Saadat Khan observed that it is responsibility of the PTA to ensure that videos containing unlawful contents are firstly not uploaded and if uploaded they are removed immediately. The counsel of the PTA submitted that PTA had decided on the for removal of unlawful online contents on social media platform and submitted a copy of PTA order. He submitted that PTA shall continue to pursue Tik-Tok administration for monitoring to ensure that objectionable contents is removed or blocked proactively.

The counsel of the plaintiff submitted that he does not want to press the suit as he would avail the remedy provided under the law against the order of PTA on July 7. The court observed that PTA to ensure that all the videos uploaded on the various internet applications, including Tik-Tok are being properly filtered and are timely removed so the person using the mobile phones and other similar devices are not exposed to videos containing sexual, harassing, abusive, anti-Pakistan, indecent, objectionable or any content involving the humiliation of any person, sector, section and cast.

The court observed that those uploading the unlawful content should be apprehended and taken to task according to the law, rules and the regulations.