In Pakistan, digital advocates fear censorship campaign as internet slows down

In recent weeks, internet browsing has been up to 40% slower than normal, according to an information technology (IT) association.

Pakistan’s military-backed government is stifling the internet and social media while testing new ways to silence dissent, say concerned digital advocates and business leaders.

Since last month, internet browsing has been up to 40% slower than normal, according to an information technology (IT) association. Sending documents, images and voice messages has been disrupted for tens of millions of WhatsApp users.

Experts believe that Pakistan is testing a firewall, a computer security system that regulates internet traffic but can also be used to monitor online activity. The firewall aims to “allow the state to filter content, in order to strengthen surveillance and censor political dissent”analyses Usama Khilji, a digital expert and rights activist in this sector, to AFP.

The Pakistani government and telecommunications authorities, headed by a retired general, have refused to comment on the internet slowdown for weeks. “We are going through a transition period, after which all these services will be available”Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told reporters. However, “There will be certain controls to prevent the dissemination of threatening and defamatory content against the State and against individuals”he added.

On Sunday, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja denied that the government was behind the internet slowdown, which she said only lasted“a day or two”. “A large part of the population has started using VPNs”virtual private networks, and this “creates pressure on the internet and causes a slowdown” traffic, she said.

The controversy comes as the military says it is grappling with “digital terrorism”The main target of the current digital campaign, analysts say, is none other than jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is still very popular and supported by young, digitally savvy supporters.