Media File Issues on WhatsApp Amid Ongoing Internet Disruptions

Users across Pakistan are grappling with persistent internet issues, leading to difficulties in browsing, downloading, and sharing media files on platforms like WhatsApp.

Sajjad Mustafa Syed, chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), has pointed out the possibility of increased surveillance on social media platforms amid these disruptions.

“If a message is sent on WhatsApp but media files such as pictures aren’t, it could indicate ongoing monitoring,” Syed remarked in a recent statement.

Reports suggest that both WiFi and mobile data services are experiencing significant slowdowns, making it nearly impossible for users to send or receive images, videos, and voice notes on popular platforms like WhatsApp.

The Pakistani government has confirmed that it is upgrading its ‘web management system’ and testing its internet firewall.

This process began with trials conducted in July and August, which resulted in notable slowdowns in internet speeds and disruptions on digital platforms.

However, no specific explanation has been provided for the recent internet difficulties, including the slow internet speeds.

Downdetector.com confirmed these disruptions, with significant spikes in Gmail outages around 9 AM on Tuesday.

Syed also addressed concerns about Pakistan’s IT sector, dismissing rumors that IT companies were leaving the country due to slow internet speeds. “Not a single company has left Pakistan,” he assured.

He explained that full-time IT workers remained unaffected by the issue because they typically rely on fixed-line internet, while part-time workers without access to these lines faced problems.

Discussing the firewall, Syed noted that surveillance and firewall installations are standard in many countries. He added, “Perhaps there is a procedural deficiency here.”

He drew a comparison with the United States, where security personnel intervene swiftly in cases involving the sharing of illegal content.

Despite the ongoing disruptions, Syed stated that they would resolve the internet issues within the next three months.

Internet disruptions have become increasingly common in Pakistan, with outages affecting access to online platforms over the past few months.

Last week, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) “do-or-die” protest in Islamabad disrupted internet and mobile services.

Experts warn that the state of Pakistan’s internet infrastructure is negatively impacting the country’s economy, costing billions of rupees daily due to the inefficiencies and disruptions in digital services.