PTA( Pakistani telecommunications authority) blocks access to 5 dating live streaming apps across the country over the indecent and immoral content.
The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has blocked access to five dating and live streaming applications in Pakistan, namely Tinder, Tagged, Skout, Grindr and SayHi, according to a statement by the Telecommunications Authority.
PTA can, however, reconsider blocking of the said applications provided management of the companies assures adherence to the local laws with respect to moderating the indecent/immoral content through meaningful engagement.
— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) September 1, 2020
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Tinder has not been available in Pakistan since last weekend. Social media users have reported that they are unable to use the app, which is mainly used for online dating and networking.
The PTA refused to confirm until Tuesday afternoon whether the app was officially banned in the country.
"Given the negative impact of immoral / obscene streaming of content through the above applications, the PTA has made statements to management of the aforementioned platforms to remove dating services and moderate live streaming content in accordance with local laws in Pakistan." Read a press release from the agency.
However, the PTA may reconsider blocking these requests, provided the company's management ensures compliance with local laws regarding the moderation of the obscene / immoral content through meaningful involvement.
The PTA had previously warned China's social media app TikTok to curb so-called "immoral, obscene and vulgar" content on the video sharing platform.
However, last September, the Islamabad Supreme Court (IHC) stated that the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has no authority to block websites that violate due process without consulting the other party's position.
