Sharks Not to Blame for Submarine Cable Outage, Confirms PTA Chairman
In a recent Senate committee briefing, PTA Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman debunked rumors that sharks were responsible for the recent internet disruptions and submarine cable outage. He clarified that contrary to popular belief, sharks are not capable of damaging submarine cables due to their biological makeup.
Rehman addressed the issue during a Senate Standing Committee on Information and Technology meeting on Wednesday, January 1. He emphasized that the cable severing was a result of technical factors rather than wildlife interference, putting an end to the sensationalized claims circulating in the media.
**PTA Confirms Technical Issues, Not Sharks, Caused Cable Outage**
During the briefing led by Senator Palwasha Khan, Rehman shed light on Pakistan’s current reliance on seven submarine cables for internet connectivity. He also announced the activation of the “2 Africa” submarine cable, expected to enhance internet quality nationwide. The discussion delved into social media regulations, with the PTA Chairman revealing that the authority receives around 500 complaints daily about objectionable content on social media platforms.
**Legal Basis for Internet Shutdowns Questioned**
One of the key points of contention during the meeting was the authority’s power to block internet access in specific regions. Senator Kamran Murtaza raised concerns about the legal grounds for such actions, prompting an explanation from an official from the Ministry of Information Technology (IT). While the law does not explicitly mention regional internet shutdowns, the Ministry of Interior can direct the PTA to enforce such measures when deemed necessary.
**Decade-Long Practice of Internet Restrictions**
Rehman highlighted that internet shutdowns have been a common practice in Pakistan since 2016, with government orders often dictating these actions. He underscored that such restrictions have been implemented on various occasions at the behest of the Supreme Court and High Court, particularly when legal authorities intervene. The PTA Chairman emphasized that if the government mandates internet shutdowns to eliminate specific online content, it can be lawfully executed by limiting internet access in targeted areas.
Overall, Rehman’s clarification dispels the myth surrounding sharks’ involvement in the submarine cable outage while shedding light on the regulatory landscape governing internet access and social media content in Pakistan. The meeting underscored the delicate balance between national security concerns and citizens’ digital rights, sparking crucial conversations on the legal frameworks underpinning internet governance.
