Islamabad : The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has taken notice of media reports on alleged availability of subscriber data online. PTA clarifies it does not hold or manage subscriber data, which remains solely with licensed operators.
Initial review shows the reported datasets include family details, travel records, vehicle registrations, and CNIC copies indicating aggregation from multiple external sources, not telecom operators. PTA’s audits have found no breaches within the licensed sector.
In its ongoing crackdown on unlawful content, PTA has blocked 1,372 sites, apps, and social media pages involved in selling or sharing personal data. The Ministry of Interior has formed an inquiry committee which is probing into the matter.
The media had reported breach of privacy of the telecom sector subscribers and dubbed it as a big security issue. In response, PTA has clarified its position on the alleged sale of the telecom sector consumers data. Its handout said PTA does not hold data of telecom sector subscribers . It also clarified that licensed operators of Pakistan’s telecom sector were also not involved in data trade in the country.