Pak asks Facebook to link accounts with mobile numbers

Pakistan has asked social media giant Facebook to link opening of accounts on network with mobile numbers to deter fake accounts as part of its crackdown on blasphemous content online.

"Mobile numbers are verified through biometric verification system in the country. Currently, Facebook accounts are being opened through an email. The issue of fake accounts could be overcome if all existing accounts are verified with phone numbers," The Express Tribune quoted a Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) official, as saying.

"Facebook [recently] reiterated its commitment toward the removal of blasphemous and objectionable content and assured the authorities that they will improve the coordination and response time", the official added.

Meanwhile, Facebook has also designated a person to coordinate with the PTA for prompt action against any objectionable material.

The PTA has also established a "web analysis cell" where 25 personnel work solely on identifying unlawful content on the internet.

Since February 2017, 137 links to blasphemous content have been blocked by the Facebook administration for viewership in Pakistan.

Facebook has also been asked to help Law Enforcement Agencies in the country by providing them with requisite data.