A new regulatory framework has been suggested by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) that mandates a 15-year local registration time for all Over-The-Top (OTT) services, such as YouTube, Netflix, WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (Twitter).
The PTA suggests that OTT Communication Services operating in Pakistan apply for a 15-year license from the regulatory body, based on a 14-page draft that is accessible on its website.
PTA spokesman Malahat Obaid informed Fact Check that the purpose of the draft paper’s publication is to gather input from interested parties; the public comment period ends on July 10.
Obaid added over the phone, “PTA will analyse the responses and decide accordingly.”
The PTA divides OTT services into three categories: application services (like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) and communication services (like Viber, Skype, and WhatsApp).
The draft states that OTT services that do not have PTA authorization will be deemed illegal when they fail to comply with the new authorization framework for a period of 12 months, if implemented.
The controversial Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content Rules 2021 are used in the draft framework to support the requirement that OTT services register locally.
The government was ordered by the Islamabad High Court in May 2022 to review the 2021 Rules and make sure they comply with constitutional rights. However, as of yet, no changes have been made.
