SBP wants to ban Bigo Live for ‘immoral content’ and excessive outflow of dollars

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) wants to ban applications like Bigo Live etc due to ‘immoral content.’ Following this decision, orders have been sent to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block live-streaming platforms due to ‘indecent content,’ and excessive outflow of US dollars.

According to a document, SBP has pinpointed that a significant amount of foreign exchange (FX) is being remitted abroad by Pakistanis through social media platforms.

SBP asks PTA to ban Bigo Live and other apps

While conducting an assessment of foreign exchange consumption, the SBP noted that social media platforms included mostly live-streaming channels, like Mico, StreamKar, Bigo Live, and others.

The bank has said that users create and share immoral content through these websites, in addition to virtual dating, and the PTA is obliged to block URLs and social media applications that promote sexually explicit content. These platforms have also been involved in gambling through multiple in-app casino games, and other methods. The State Bank’s assessment also revealed that a total of $8.93 million has been remitted over the last two years through live-streaming platforms.

Therefore, SBP has asked PTA to review the content and activities on these websites in light of relevant social media guidelines. PTA needs to decide whether or not such platforms should be blocked to prevent indecent content, and also to preserve the foreign exchange reserves of the country.

Ban on social media apps

Prior to this, attempts were also made to ban social media platforms like TikTok, Likee, etc. Advocate Waqas Anwar Gujjar filed a petition, in which he remarked that these social media apps are a waste of time for the youth. He named PTA, FIA, and other respondents in the case, and said that people have lost their lives trying to shoot videos for TikTok.

What are your views on this? Share in the comments bar below.