Internet Slowdown in Pakistan: The Impact of Increased Surveillance

The Impact of Surveillance on Internet Speeds

In Pakistan, internet users are facing significant access and speed issues, with many blaming the slowdown on increased security and surveillance measures. According to the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP), internet speeds have dropped by 30% to 40%, causing widespread disruption. WISPAP Chairman Shahzad Arshad warned that this could lead to severe economic consequences, including the possible exodus of businesses from the country.

Economic Repercussions of Connectivity Issues

The slowdown in internet speeds has had a devastating impact on businesses and individuals who rely on stable connectivity. As Arshad pointed out, many smaller ISPs are losing customers due to the poor quality of service. This trend could spell disaster for Pakistan’s digital economy, particularly for online and electronic businesses that are struggling to maintain operations amid the ongoing disruptions.

Government Silence Amid Growing Concerns

Despite the widespread connectivity issues, the government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) have remained largely silent. This has left millions of Pakistanis grappling with limited internet access, especially mobile data, in certain regions. The lack of government communication is not only infringing on citizens’ rights but also causing financial losses to the national economy, with online businesses like e-commerce and ride-hailing services suffering the most.

The Role of Internet Firewall Testing

The frustratingly slow internet speeds and frequent disruptions have been linked to the alleged testing of an internet firewall designed to control social media content. This firewall, equipped with filters to block undesirable content, has been causing delays in popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, where users report difficulties in uploading and downloading content.

Experts Speak Out on the Situation

Digital rights activists like Farieha Aziz, co-founder of Bolo Bhi, and lawyer Nighat Dad have voiced their concerns about the internet slowdown. Aziz criticized the government’s lack of transparency, drawing parallels to previous instances where the government initially denied platform restrictions, only to later admit their involvement. Dad emphasized that misinformation thrives in the current environment of ambiguity, with the government fostering speculation and confusion.

Economic Fallout and Future Prospects

The ongoing internet restrictions have not only disrupted daily communication but have also cast a shadow on Pakistan’s economic future. Digital businesses and freelancers, who heavily rely on the internet, are losing clients and facing dwindling opportunities as the international market increasingly views Pakistan as an unreliable digital partner. Both Aziz and Dad stressed the need for a clear and open dialogue on the issue, warning that the current trajectory could severely damage the country’s digital landscape.

Understanding the Internet Firewall

The firewall being tested in Pakistan is designed to filter and block content deemed undesirable by the government. It inspects information from various protocol addresses, identifying and restricting the spread of propaganda or other sensitive material. The firewall’s filtering system can camouflage posts, making them invisible to a wider audience, especially on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). The government is also considering measures to curb the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) by requiring citizens to register their VPNs with the PTA, potentially leading to further restrictions.