X refuses to comply with Pakistan’s social media censorship

Most of government requests for content removals made on X were turned down in the light of non-violation of policies
A representational image. — Canva
A representational image. — Canva 

A recent face-off between social media platform X and Pakistan's government has sparked global concerns over online freedom and national security.

Pakistan had requested X to remove some content from its site on grounds of violation of national security and breach of local laws.

However, X's probe determined that most of the reported posts did not violate its community standards. X was, thus compelled to seek further information from the government to review if there was a likely breach of policies.

Most of the government requests for content removals made on X were turned down in the light of non-violation of policies by the former. The platform sought further information to review potential policy breaches.

Pakistan's interior ministry blocked X in February, citing intelligence agency reports.

It failed to come up with figures as to how many of these demands it had received or accepted.

The SHC resumed hearing over the petitions regarding the blocking and suspension of social media websites during general elections.

It ordered the concerned authorities to ensure uninterrupted Internet services and reopen access to X, for which there was no legal justification to close the social media platform.

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that access to X can be restored if its management addresses compliance issues. "We can restore access if X cooperates," he said.

The case has been partially heard, and the next hearing is scheduled for October 17. Interim orders passed during earlier hearings will remain in effect until then.