The Pakistani government, backed by the military, began to restrict internet access social media is already a new way to silence dissent, said worried digital rights advocates and business leaders.
Since last month, internet browsing is 40% slower than normal, according to an information technology (IT) association. Sending documents, images and voice messages is interrupted for tens of millions of users of the messaging app WhatsApp.
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Experts estimate that Pakistan is testing a computer security system (firewall) which allows internet traffic to be regulated, but can also be used to monitor online activity.
“The slowdown of the internet is due to the installation of a national firewall to allow the State to filter contentstrengthening surveillance and censoring political dissent,” said Usama Khilji, a technology expert and rights activist.
WhatsApp is reportedly in the crosshairs due to the encryption of its messages, which guarantees their total confidentiality.
Pakistan’s government and telecom authorities, headed by a retired general, have remained mum on the issue for weeks.
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Finally, it was the Minister of Defense who He acknowledged what millions of Pakistanis already knew.“It is a transition period after which all these services will be available,” said Khawaja Muhamad Asif.
IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Sunday denied the government was behind the internet slowdown, saying it had only lasted “one or two days.”
“A large part of the population started using VPNwhen using a VPN, it puts pressure on your live internet connection, causing a slowdown,” he explained at a press conference.
(With information from AFP)
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2024-08-23 02:10:35