Amidst an internet slowdown in Pakistan, digital rights activist Usama Khilji has pointed out that the installation of a national firewall and content filtering system by the state is aimed at increasing surveillance and censoring political dissent.
The move to target WhatsApp, with its end-to-end encryption capabilities, has raised concerns about privacy and control over information sharing.
The government’s lack of transparency surrounding the internet slowdown has sparked backlash, with concerns about economic repercussions due to disrupted internet service.
Business leaders warn of a potential exodus of businesses from Pakistan, impacting the IT sector significantly.
As the country grapples with political instability and economic challenges, the impact of the firewall on Pakistan’s IT sector continues to be a cause for concern.
With ongoing legal challenges and calls for more transparency, the future implications of the internet slowdown remain uncertain.