The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has begun working on blocking ‘unwanted’ short text messages (SMSs) on mobile phones, as directed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
In accordance with the Prime Minister’s directives, the PTA has implemented a new system that will prevent marketing SMS from being sent to mobile phones.
According to the PTA, mobile companies will begin using the marketers’ Opt-In and Opt-Out systems on July 1. At the bottom of each marketing SMS, there will be an Opt-Out link. Mobile users who click on the Opt-Out link will be added to the SMS marketing block list. Only those users who remain on the Opt-In list will continue to receive marketing SMS.
According to the PTA, a list of telemarketers will be prepared, consisting of letters and numbers. By June 21, all cellular mobile operators must have alphanumeric IDs approved for telemarketers/brands/organizations and submit the list to the PTA.
The PTA also stated that the authority has begun working on the protection of citizens’ personal data.
