The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has said that a notification claiming that TikTok has been banned in Pakistan is fake.
The false notification has circulated widely on social media. It claimed that PTA had decided to ban TikTok with immediate effect in the interest of national security, public order and the protection of children and youth. It also claimed that PTA found the platform spreads immoral, indecent and harmful content, and that it directed all internet service providers to block access across the country.
PTA clarified that it had not issued the notification. The authority called the information false and misleading.
PTA advised the public not to share or rely on unverified information on social media. It asked citizens to get authentic information only through its official website and verified social media accounts.
Separately, PTA has formally registered the BIGO LIVE and Likee platforms in Pakistan under Bigo Service Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. The registration follows the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules, 2021.
PTA said that it looks forward to working more closely with BIGO to strengthen content moderation, promote responsible use of the platforms and ensure continued compliance with Pakistan’s applicable laws.
