Update:
Twitter has since restored access to the Twitter accounts as well as the tweets that it had previously blocked in Pakistan, with the help of its Country Withheld Content tool.
After Pakistani authorities requested the removal of certain content claiming it was unethical or blasphemous, Twitter blocked access to the reported links on May 18. On June 17 however, Twitter unblocked the content and issued the following statement:
"We always strive to make the best, most informed decisions we can when we're compelled to reactively withhold identified content in specific jurisdictions around the world. On May 18, 2014, we made an initial decision to withhold content in Pakistan based on information provided to us by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. Consistent with our longstanding policies we provided notice to all of the affected account holders and published the actioned takedown requests on Chilling Effects to maximize transparency regarding our decision. We have reexamined the requests and, in the absence of additional clarifying information from Pakistani authorities, have determined that restoration of the previously withheld content is warranted. The content is now available again in Pakistan."
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In response to Pakistan’s crackdown on free expression, secularist groups are fighting to cease censorship of Twitter and other social networking sites by launching a #TwitterTheocracy campaign on June 10. The campaign not only calls for Pakistan to end its censorship of social media but also requests Twitter to reject censorship requests from Pakistan.
Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) that operates under the country’s notorious and stringent blasphemy laws has in the past ordered Twitter to censor user accounts as well as individual posts that it considers offensive. Since Twitter’s official policy allows country-specific requests to block content, it has complied to such orders on several occasions, particularly those related to “Everybody Draw Mohammad Day,” which happens to be a direct protest against censorship and a celebration of free expression.
Throughout June 10, people and groups protesting against Pakistan’s censorship, tweeted content and links against censorship, in support of free expression at #TwitterTheocracy. Additionally, a coalition of secularist groups including the Ex-Muslims of North America and Center for Inquiry, drafted a letter for Masood Khan, Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Nations.
The letter highlights Pakistan’s obligations under Articles 18 and 19 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which allow freedom of expression, thought, belief and inquiry to its people. In fact, the letter also spells out how Pakistan is obligated under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which allows similar rights to its subjects. Evidently, censoring content on Twitter on the basis of it offending religious sensibilities and persecuting those who publish such content, are violations of the agreements signed by Pakistan.
The letter makes a plea to Pakistan’s own self-interest, stating, “The ability to think freely, to have doubt, to investigate doubt, and to arrive at new conclusions, advances our shared communities. To survive and flourish, we must learn to civilly discuss important matters, including and especially religion. True political and economic stability depends on openness, and falls quickly in the face of censorship.”
Photo Credit: American Atheists
