Pakistan Urges Global Tech Firms to Block 481 Accounts Linked to B@nned Outfits
Pakistan has taken a firm stance against digital extrem1sm, urging global social media platforms to block at least 481 identified accounts linked to b@nned outfits. The announcement came from State Ministers Talal Chaudhry and Barrister Aqeel Malik during a press briefing in Islamabad on Friday.
According to the Ministry of Interior, these accounts are being run anonymously using unverified IDs. The accounts are believed to be spreading pr0paganda on behalf of terr0rist groups — many of which are proscribed under UN, US, UK, and Pakistani regulations.
Minister Talal Chaudhry highlighted that while the origins of these accounts remain unclear, the messaging and coordination clearly indicate terr0rist involvement. “Pakistan stands as a firewall between terr0rism and the global community,” he stated.
The government is pressing for urgent cooperation from tech companies, emphasizing three major demands: first, the immediate removal and blocking of these profiles; second, the use of AI-driven tools to prevent mirror accounts that reappear after deletion; and third, the disclosure of account handler information to relevant authorities.
The effort falls under the broader National Action Plan, which includes curbing online pr0paganda by extremist groups. Chaudhry noted that many of these networks use the cover of free speech to spread hate and instigate unrest.
He stressed that anyone running or facilitating these accounts should be treated as complicit in terr0rist activity. The appeal aims to hold platforms accountable for hosting harmful content and to establish shared global standards on digital secu-rity.
Pakistan’s call adds urgency to the ongoing global debate about tech responsibility in curbing online extrem1sm.
