Government spooks to track citizens’ calls

KARACHI Nov. 14: Bolo Bhi expresses grave concern at the installation of international telecommunication traffic filter by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The filter will allow government agencies to trace every call.  

While the Government claims the filter will be used to trace calls as part of counter terrorism measures, there is no clarity over a process that would ensure user privacy.

The security agencies may need to track calls but it should be based on proof instead of mere suspicion as that would compromise the citizens’ right to privacy on the pretext of counter-terrorism measures. This sets a dangerous precedent where citizen’s rights are consistently ignored.

Bolo Bhi demands that the PTA should provide clarity over the issue, ways in which the filtering system will be used and full disclosure on policies and processes that ensure user’s right to privacy. Blanket monitoring of communication is unacceptable.

Contact: Afia Salam – Bolo Bhi

Email: afia@bolobhi.org

Bolo Bhi means ‘Speak up’, in Urdu. We are a not-for-profit geared towards advocacy, policy and research in the areas of gender rights, government transparency, legislation, Internet freedom, digital security, privacy and empowerment. We, at Bolo Bhi, believe it is crucial to bridge the gap between rights advocates, policy makers, media and citizens. It is by bridging this gap that one can move ahead to chart a way forward and resolve issues through consensus, in a way that is mutually beneficial.

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