Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over 2 billion active monthly users globally. However, Facebook’s availability and access varies from country to country due to different laws and regulations regarding internet content. Pakistan, the 5th most populous country in the world with over 220 million residents, has had an complicated relationship with Facebook over the years.
Brief History of Facebook in Pakistan
Facebook was first launched in Pakistan in 2008 and quickly gained popularity among the country’s urban youth population. By 2012, Pakistan was among the top 10 countries worldwide in terms of Facebook users. However, in May 2010, the Lahore High Court banned Facebook for hosting content considered blasphemous towards Islam. This ban lasted for 2 weeks before being lifted.
In September 2012, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) blocked access to Facebook again alongside other platforms like YouTube and Twitter for not removing offensive content. This ban lasted till December 2012.
In May 2010, a Pakistan court ordered the PTA to block Facebook across Pakistan because it hosted allegedly blasphemous groups. This ban on the site was lifted after two weeks.
Despite these periodic blocks, Facebook continued to grow in popularity across Pakistan. As of 2022, Pakistan has over 53 million Facebook users, making it the 7th largest market for Facebook worldwide.
Current Legal Status of Facebook in Pakistan
As of October 2023, Facebook is allowed and accessible across most of Pakistan. However, there have been instances of intermittent blocking of Facebook services in recent years.
In November 2017, Pakistan put Facebook on a list of online sites to be monitored and regulated by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). This meant the PTA could ask Facebook to remove any unlawful, controversial or anti-state content hosted on its platform. Failure to comply could lead to blocks and bans.
In July 2021, the Sindh High Court ordered the PTA to suspend Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and other social media apps for not complying with orders to remove offensive content. However, this suspension was temporary and lasted only a few days.
Under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, the PTA has the power to block access to any online content considered unlawful, controversial or against state interests. The PTA uses this law to periodically ban or restrict Facebook and other platforms.
Why Facebook Faces Blocks and Bans in Pakistan
There are several reasons why Facebook has faced intermittent blocks, bans and censorship over the years in Pakistan:
- Hosting anti-state, blasphemous or offensive content – Authorities consider this a violation of PECA laws
- Refusing to filter or remove unlawful content as demanded by PTA
- National security reasons during sensitive times e.g. protests, elections
- Spread of false information, hate speech, cyberbullying
Facebook has faced the brunt of censorship more than other platforms because of its massive user base in Pakistan. Authorities see Facebook’s encrypted messaging services like WhatsApp as channels for spreading misinformation and anti-state content.
How Pakistanis Bypass Facebook Bans
Despite periodic blocks by authorities, tech-savvy Pakistanis have found ways to bypass restrictions and access Facebook using the following methods:
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) – These allow accessing the internet through servers located outside Pakistan
- Proxies – Rerouting internet traffic through proxy servers to bypass local restrictions
- Encrypted browsers like Tor – These browsers mask users’ identity and location
- Modded VPN versions of Facebook app – Allows accessing Facebook even if the domain is blocked
The use of VPNs and proxy servers has shot up among Pakistani internet users to circumvent state-imposed social media bans. Authorities have attempted to crackdown on some of these methods but with limited success.
Facebook’s Importance in Pakistan
Despite the troubles surrounding its availability, Facebook remains an important platform in Pakistan for the following reasons:
- Connecting friends & family – Over 53 million monthly active users in Pakistan
- Follow news & current affairs – 63% Pakistanis get news from Facebook
- Marketing for businesses – 2+ million businesses in Pakistan use Facebook
- Community building – Facebook groups connect people with shared interests
- Political engagement – Politicians and parties heavily rely on Facebook
The huge youth population and growing smartphone access is driving increasing Facebook usage in urban and even rural Pakistan. Facebook will likely remain among Pakistan’s top online platforms for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
In summary, Facebook is officially allowed and accessible across most of Pakistan as of late 2022. However, it continues to face occasional bans, blocks and censorship by Pakistani authorities for hosting objectionable content or under national security pretexts. While bans are usually temporary, the threat of a more prolonged block looms. Nevertheless, Facebook has become ingrained into the digital lives of tens of millions of Pakistanis. Therefore, any long-term ban would likely face heavy backlash and prompt users to find ways to bypass restrictions.