The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has addressed recent rumors regarding its acquisition of advanced firewalls for controlling internet in Pakistan. A spokesperson clarified that the tender for next-generation firewalls and web application firewalls is solely for enhancing PTA’s internal IT infrastructure security and not for monitoring or controlling national internet and social media.
Clarification on the Tender for Advanced Firewalls for Controlling Internet in Pakistan
PTA clarified that the tender is aimed at procuring firewalls for their internal use to strengthen the security of their IT systems. The spokesperson emphasized that these firewalls will be deployed exclusively at PTA’s primary data center and Disaster Recovery (DR) site. The acquisition includes four Next-Generation Firewalls and two Web Application Firewalls, intended to create a robust, multi-layered security environment for PTA’s internal network and applications.
Social Media Speculations
The rumors about PTA using these firewalls to monitor and control the national internet and social media are inaccurate. The clarification comes amidst heightened scrutiny and misinformation on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), which has been banned in Pakistan since February. The government claims that anti-state elements have been using the platform to malign state institutions. PTA’s procurement of these firewalls is purely for internal security enhancements, ensuring their systems are protected against potential cyber threats.
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