Islamabad, November 26, 2024- Pakistan’s government has begun testing a new internet “firewall” backed by Chinese technology, designed to enhance online monitoring and control. The system aims to regulate online traffic and restrict access to popular apps, offering the government greater oversight over the internet infrastructure, including data centers and mobile service providers.
The trials of the firewall, which began in mid-July, have reportedly caused slowdowns and service disruptions across the country, particularly affecting multimedia functions on apps like WhatsApp. Although the government denies that the firewall is responsible for these issues, internet users have widely reported degraded service quality.
The firewall, costing between 20 to 30 billion rupees ($72 million to $107 million), provides more granular control over online content, allowing specific features of apps or websites to be blocked or throttled. For example, in some countries, WhatsApp users are unable to make voice or video calls, though other features remain accessible.
This new technology, introduced amid rising political tensions in the country, also allows authorities to block VPNs and monitor internet activity in real-time through enhanced content filtering. The testing of the firewall has coincided with increased internet restrictions, including the suspension of mobile internet and VPN access, amid ongoing protests demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The new monitoring system has been integrated into Pakistan’s diverse internet infrastructure, which includes technology from multiple countries, leading to temporary connectivity issues during the tests. Despite these challenges, the government is pressing ahead with the deployment of this advanced surveillance system.
