Amnesty International has called on the Pakistani authorities to provide full transparency regarding internet slowdowns, monitoring and the use of surveillance technology across the country.
Over the past few weeks, Pakistan has seen a significant drop in internet speed and users are facing difficulties in sending voice notes via WhatsApp or downloading photos and videos while connected to mobile data. But users are also facing slow browsing speed.
In its statement, Amnesty International urged Pakistani authorities to be transparent about internet shutdowns and ensure that they do not implement monitoring and surveillance systems that are unnecessary, disproportionate and inter-departmental. Violate international human rights laws.
“The non-transparency of Pakistani authorities regarding the use of surveillance and surveillance system technologies that control internet speed and block content is a matter of concern,” the statement added.
He has said that ‘repeated use of such technologies, including national firewalls, is not compatible with human rights.’
The statement pointed out that these broad tools limit freedom of expression and access to information online, adding that the Internet is critical to public awareness, citizen expression, e-commerce and the digital economy.
It should be noted that last week, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) attributed the slow internet speed across the country to faulty submarine cables, but after criticism from lawmakers and the public, the PTA explained It was given that no firewall is being installed in the country.
Further, Chairman PTA Retired Major General Hafeezur Rehman said during the meeting of the Standing Committee on Information Technology of the National Assembly that the interruption in the provision of Internet across the country is due to the defective ‘submarine cable’ which was repaired till August 28. There are possibilities.
He explained that the government is doing an upgrade in the web management system and no firewall is being installed.
He further said that he believes that there should not be a slowdown due to the upgradation of the internet, as the telecom sector has suffered a loss of Rs 30 crore.
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The Alarming Trend of Internet Slowdowns and Surveillance in Pakistan: An Analysis
As a blog news writer, I have been following the recent developments in Pakistan with great interest. The country has been experiencing a significant drop in internet speed, with users facing difficulties in sending voice notes, downloading photos and videos, and even browsing the internet. This has sparked concerns about the Pakistani authorities’ use of surveillance technology and internet shutdowns.
According to Amnesty International, the use of internet shutdowns and slowdowns can have serious consequences, particularly during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic [[1]]. The organization has called on the Pakistani authorities to provide full transparency regarding internet slowdowns, monitoring, and the use of surveillance technology across the country.
This is not the first time that Pakistan has been accused of restricting freedom of expression and access to information. In June 2021, Amnesty International reported on the escalating attacks on journalists in Pakistan, which is a cause for serious concern [[2]]. The organization has been documenting the growing pressure on journalists who criticize the government, and the use of internet shutdowns and surveillance technology is only adding to the problem.
The issue of internet slowdowns and surveillance is not unique to Pakistan, but it is particularly concerning in a country where freedom of expression is already under threat. The use of surveillance technology can have a chilling effect on free speech, as individuals may be less likely to express their opinions online if they fear being monitored.
Furthermore, the spread of misinformation and disinformation is a serious problem in Pakistan, and the use of internet slowdowns and surveillance technology can exacerbate this problem. According to UNESCO, disinformation is particularly dangerous, as it can lead to the spread of false information and undermine trust in institutions [[3]].
the Pakistani authorities must provide full transparency regarding internet slowdowns, monitoring, and the use of surveillance technology across the country. The international community must also hold Pakistan accountable for its actions and ensure that the country respects the rights of its citizens to freedom of expression and access to information.
Recommendations
- The Pakistani authorities must provide full transparency regarding internet slowdowns, monitoring, and the use of surveillance technology across the country.
- The international community must hold Pakistan accountable for its actions and ensure that the country respects the rights of its citizens to freedom of expression and access to information.
- Journalists and human rights organizations must continue to document and report on the use of internet shutdowns and surveillance technology in Pakistan.
- The Pakistani government must take steps to address the spread of misinformation and disinformation in the country and ensure that citizens have access to accurate information.
References
[1] https://www.amnesty.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/POL3047512021ENGLISH.pdf
[2] https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/press-release/2021/06/pakistan-escalating-attacks-on-journalists/
[3] https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000265552
