Peshawar High Court instructs PTA on TikTok ban petition

The Peshawar High Court has taken a significant step by instructing the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to address a petition seeking a permanent ban on TikTok. The petition, filed by Advocate Imran Khan, raises concerns about alleged blasphemous and immoral content on the platform. This move comes after multiple temporary bans on TikTok in Pakistan since October 2020 due to content that authorities found inappropriate.

Advocate Imran Khan's petition urges the court to direct the PTA, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and Ministry of Information to enforce a permanent ban on TikTok for consistently breaching guidelines and the Constitution. During a recent hearing, the petitioner requested interim relief to remove objectionable content until a final decision is reached, emphasizing the importance of upholding moral and ethical values in the country.

The petition underscores TikTok's failure to adequately regulate criminal, hateful, and vulgar content despite having policies in place. The court clarified that the PTA, not the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), holds responsibility for such matters and has given the PTA a seven-day deadline to respond.

Recent transparency reports from TikTok reveal the platform's cooperation with the Pakistani government in addressing content removal requests. TikTok has taken action against thousands of pieces of content and accounts that violated community guidelines and local laws. The platform's proactive content moderation efforts have led to a high rate of content removal globally.

The ongoing legal proceedings regarding TikTok in Pakistan highlight the importance of maintaining online platforms that align with societal values and legal frameworks. As the debate continues, it remains crucial for digital platforms to prioritize content moderation and adhere to regulations to ensure a safe and respectful online environment for all users.