There is a PTA notification going around online, claiming that the telecom regulator is asking social media (WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, etc.) group admins to remove foreign members, for “data security.”
This notification is completely false and should be ignored entirely, as clarified by the PTA itself. Here is what the fake notification looks like.
According to PTA’s official X account:
PTA has issued no such directive. The public is advised to refrain from sharing unverified information and to rely solely on PTA’s official channels for authentic updates.
The fake notification even goes on to warn users that strict legal action will be taken against them for failing to comply with this bogus directive. It warns that action may be taken under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, Section 21 (non-provision of data/information or any other form of non-compliance with government directives), which may include “penalties and imprisonment”.
Citizens can rest assured, as this notification is completely fake and no action will be taken against anyone simply having foreign members in their social media pages and accounts.
