PTA introduces new system to block unethical content, rejects reports of centralising DNS

0

ISLAMABAD, June 21(ABC): The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Tuesday has introduced a new system to prevent unethical content, websites.

As per the official sources, the PTA will be able to block the inappropriate websites at domain level under the Domain Name System (DNS).
Earlier, a list of websites was sent to the internet providers for blocking them because before this step there was no such mechanism to block the immoral content.
“This new system will not affect the people privacy and internet speed” the spokesperson said.

PTA Tuesday rejected reports of centralising the Domain Name System (DNS) and slowing down the internet through such means.

The regulatory authority, with regards to media reports regarding the new DNS implementation by PTA, clarified that it has only implemented the automation of blocking of unlawful content as mandated to the authority under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Section 37.

“Contrary to the claims, PTA has not implemented centralised DNS control where-by all resolution will be centrally performed by PTA. Instead, the resolution will be performed at ISPs (Internet Service Providers) end,” the authority’s statement claimed.

The telecommunication authority said the blocking of illegal content was already being done.

However, to “improve the effectiveness of the same, automation process through domain name resolution at the ISP level has been implemented under the policy directives of the [government]”.