Wikipedia services deteriorated due to illegal content

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has degraded Wikipedia services in the country for failing to block/remove sacrilegious content.

Wikipedia was approached to block/remove said content by notice under applicable law and court order(s). There was also an opportunity to hear, but the platform failed to comply by removing the blasphemous content and also failed to appear before the Authority.

Given the deliberate failure of part of the platform to comply with PTA’s directions, Wikipedia’s services have been downgraded for 48 hours with orders to block/remove the reported content. In case of non-compliance by Wikipedia, the platform will be blocked within Pakistan.

The restoration of Wikipedia’s services will be reconsidered subject to the blocking/removal of the reported illegal content. PTA is committed to providing a safe online experience for all Pakistani citizens according to local law.

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