WASHINGTON: A United States news agency reported that administration of Facebook has turned down Pakistan’s demand of linking opening of new accounts with mobile number citing issue of users’ rights on Saturday.
In a meeting with Pakistani officials, Facebook spokesperson said that his organisation put forth concerns over ongoing cases in Pakistani courts. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) requested Facebook to link opening of accounts with telephone numbers.
Mobile numbers are verified through biometric verification system in the country. Currently, Facebook accounts are being opened through an email address and can also be opened with mobile number. The issue of fake accounts could be overcome if all existing accounts are verified with phone numbers,” a PTA official told.
At present, opening of Facebook account merely requires email verification. Moreover, PTA had received over 6000 online complaints which were reviewed and 357 accounts were blocked over presence of blasphemous content.
