Islamabad
Zubair kasuri,
Pakistan – The federal government has accelerated work on a framework to regulate over-the-top (OTT) services in the country. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has completed consultations with stakeholders and will soon present the framework to the federal cabinet for approval.
Once approved, popular online services such as WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook Messenger, Emo, and Viber will be required to obtain licenses and authorizations to operate in Pakistan. The framework will also regulate social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, as well as online gaming and e-commerce services.
Media digital services will be jointly regulated by the PTA and the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). The OTT services will be categorized into three groups: communication services, application services, and media services, each with separate requirements.
This move is seen as a significant step towards regulating the online space in Pakistan and ensuring that online services comply with local laws and regulations. The government aims to finalize the framework soon, marking a major development in Pakistan’s digital landscape.
