ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The giant social media companies have blocked more than 1,3000 malicious URLs on Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) request.
The PTA received major complaints over the potential scams through these URLs, leading to fraudulent activities by the scammers.
These actions followed investigations into complaints from the public about fraudulent activities carried out via popular social platforms.
According to the research, almost 99 percent of PTA’s takedown requests were fulfilled by social media companies, including Facebook, YouTube, X, and Instagram.
Facebook deleted 1,246 of the 1,357 URLs that the PTA had found. Ninety-nine of the 122 URLs were blocked by YouTube, while eight more are still being investigated.
The PTA claimed to have collaborated closely with social media corporations to guarantee the prompt deletion of offensive material directed at Pakistani users.
It has advised people to stay alert for online fraud, stay away from dubious connections, and notify the appropriate authorities of any efforts at cyberfraud.
PTA warns WhatsApp users of account hacking and data theft
Earlier, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) urged citizens to exercise caution while using WhatsApp, warning of a recent wave of fake messages that may lead to account hacking or data theft.
The authority on Sunday issued an advisory to warn users of potential risk to their data.
According to the PTA, several users have reported receiving suspicious messages on WhatsApp from both local and international numbers.
These messages, impersonating the official WhatsApp account, often include the app’s logo and a clickable URL link — a tactic designed to deceive users into thinking the message is genuine.
“The public is strongly advised not to click on any such links or respond to these messages,” the PTA said in a statement, adding that the messages may falsely claim that the recipient’s WhatsApp account will be closed or needs verification.
