Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has finalized new cybersecurity regulations requiring telecom operators to host data locally, appoint CISOs, conduct audits, and adopt a Zero Trust model, enhancing data protection and national cyber resilience.
The PTA and Meta have launched Instagram’s Teen Accounts feature in Pakistan to enhance online safety for users under 16 by filtering sensitive content and restricting unwanted contact. The initiative supports child protection, digital literacy, and responsible online engagement.
The PTA has suspended five LDI operators’ licences over Rs80B in unpaid dues. Despite court challenges and hearings, the companies failed to commit to repayment. Mobile and CVAS operators have been instructed to terminate services, as PTA enforces strict measures on telecom compliance.
PTA has taken strict action against mobile operators for poor service, issuing fines and warnings. Telenor received the most warnings, followed by Zong, which was fined 68 million rupees. Jazz and Ufone also faced penalties. In response, companies have filed appeals, and PTA has frozen 32 million rupees in bank guarantees.
The PTA is reviewing the Local Loop licensing regime to align with new technologies like VoIP and NFV. Proposals include allowing licensees to focus solely on broadband services, making the system technology-neutral, and improving efficiency. The aim is to foster competition, enhance service quality, and accelerate digital transformation.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has initiated the licensing of VPN service providers to ensure the legitimate use of private internet gateways. This move aims to improve data security, privacy, and regulatory compliance, supporting the IT and e-commerce sectors and ensuring uninterrupted service for businesses and stakeholders in Pakistan’s digital economy.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has confirmed that internet services in the country have been fully restored after resolving issues with the South East Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 4 (SMW4) and Asia-Africa-Europe 1 (AAE-1) submarine cables. This resolution eliminates the 1,750 Gbps shortfall, ensuring optimal internet performance.