In a recent development, a false claim made by a Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) lawyer regarding the ban on X (formerly Twitter) has caused widespread confusion. The lawyer’s statement, which suggested that the government had officially lifted the ban on X, was quickly debunked by fact-checkers and government officials. The platform, which faced restrictions earlier in 2024 for violating local content guidelines, remains under scrutiny.
Clarification from PTA
Officials from the PTA swiftly moved to clarify the situation. According to their statement, the ban has not been lifted, and any suggestions to the contrary are inaccurate. They emphasized that X had failed to comply with multiple directives to remove objectionable content and that the platform would remain banned until further notice.
Social Media Reaction
The claim sparked a flurry of reactions on various social media platforms, with users expressing confusion and frustration over the mixed signals from the authorities. Some believed the platform was unblocked, while others continued to report access issues. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding content regulation in Pakistan.
Why Was X Banned?
X faced a ban earlier this year after it was accused of failing to remove material deemed harmful by the government. The PTA had issued warnings to the platform, but X’s non-compliance ultimately led to its suspension in the country. The ban affected thousands of users who relied on X for both personal and professional communication.
Despite the confusion caused by the lawyer’s false claim, the ban on X remains firmly in place, and users will have to rely on alternative platforms for the time being.