The Islamabad High Court terms TikTok ban as violation of constitutional rights

ISLAMABAD – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Monday made the observation that apparently banning the video-sharing platform TikTok is a violation of the rights, enshrined in the country’s Constitution. A single bench of IHC comprising Chief Justice Athar Minallah observed this while hearing a petition moved against the banning of TikTok. During the hearing, IHC…

Dawn News bars staff from running YouTube channels

ISLAMABAD—Aurora Broadcasting Services (Pvt.) Limited, which manages DawnNews TV, has issued a comprehensive guideline prohibiting staff members from running YouTube channels or contributing to other publications and news blogs. In an email message to all employees, the TV management stated: “As per employment terms any gainful employment or activity that may be in conflict with…

Rs 500 m fine if companies fail to block ‘content’

ISLAMABAD: The social media companies could face a penalty of up to Rs500 million if they fail to comply with the directions of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for blocking online content. The federal cabinet already approved “Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Contents (Procedures, Oversight and Safeguard) Rules 2021” and now the Ministry of…

UNDP launches digital media programme for youth skills development

Islamabad:Digital Media Development Programme (DMDP), a flagship initiative of the Government of Pakistan was inaugurated by Digital Media Wing (DMW), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Prime Minister Imran Khan was the chief guest for the ceremony and formally launched this initiative. Pakistan’s digital media community has…

Social media rules: IHC asks stakeholders to consult PFUJ

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Monday instructed the authorities concerned to consult with all stakeholders, including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), on the social media rules. Chief Justice Athar Minallah heard the petitions filed by various people against the notices of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and its powers. Additional Attorney General (AAG)…

Poor online score

A RECENT report by Freedom House, the US-based watchdog that assesses democratic trends around the world, has placed Pakistan among the top 10 countries where digital freedoms are being curtailed. Covering the period from June 2020 to May 2021, the latest findings are consistent with previous assessments. They show that internet freedom continues to decline…