Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has once again directed the video streaming platform 'YouTube' to immediately block vulgar, indecent, immoral, nude, and hate speech content for viewing in Pakistan.

“The platform has been directed to put in place an effective content monitoring and moderation mechanism to expeditiously respond to PTA’s requests for removal of illegal and harmful online content,” said the regulator in a statement.

PTA said that it remains committed to facilitate and support YouTube to excel in Pakistan’s digital market while remaining compliant with local laws, societal norms, and YouTube’s own community standards.

Just days ago, the regulator blocked access to five dating/live streaming applications i.e. Tinder, Tagged, Skout, Grindr, and SayHi citing streaming of 'immoral/indecent' content on these applications.

“In view of negative effects of immoral/indecent content streaming through above applications, PTA issued notices to the management of above-mentioned platforms for the purpose of removing dating services & moderate live streaming content in accordance with local laws of Pakistan,” it said.

PTA was of the view that since the platforms did not respond to the notices within the stipulated time therefore the authority issued orders for blocking of the said applications.