A framework for regulating over-the-top (OTT) services will be developed, various platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter will have to obtain licenses and authorizations.
ISLAMABAD - The government has accelerated work on the framework for regulating over-the-top (OTT) services, taking another important step for the Great Firewall of Pakistan. According to the online news agency, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has completed consultation with all stakeholders, the OTT regulatory framework will be approved by the federal cabinet after approval from the authority, under the new framework WhatsApp, Skype, Fee Various forums including Book Messenger, Emo and Viber will have to get licenses and authorizations. Under the new framework, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, online gaming and e-commerce will also be regulated. Media digital services will also be PTA. and Pemra will regulate together.
It has been stated that OTT services will be divided into 3 categories, under which document communication services, application services and media services will be made into separate categories, document communication services will have to be licensed and registered, document Communication services will include all communication platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Emu, Skype, Viber, Document Application Services will include services like Facebook, X, e-services, e-commerce, gaming and LinkedIn.
It is found that document media services are further divided into two categories, document non-broadcasting services include forums like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify and VOD, document broadcasting service includes channels operating in Pakistan. Social media forums are included. All the regulatory frameworks will be framed under PICA Act 2016, PEMRA Ordinance 2002 and PTA Act 1996. Under the framework document, all stakeholders and companies must operate within local laws.
It is being told that internet communication services will be required to get OTT authorization or license from PTA, document all communication platforms will be bound by PTA rules, document OTT authorization or license period will be 15 years. In case of approval of document framework, all platforms must obtain registration or license from the authority within 12 months, securing document content, privacy and compliance with local laws, document platforms in case of any dispute with relevant agency or Obliged to provide material to officer, document companies to secure their data within the country, document emergency situation license holder to provide location and general information.
It also found that document OTT application services would have to comply with the PICA Act instead of a license or authorization, document media services would have to comply with the PICA Act and other laws instead of a license or authorization, document OT The PEMRA Ordinance 2002 and PICA rules will apply to broadcasting services, the framework will also apply to non-broadcasting services, and the over-the-top regulatory framework will support the Great Fire regime in Pakistan.
