Billions lost as govt shuts down firewall system installed to curb social media

The government has permanently shut down the firewall system installed to monitor and control social media activity, ahead of the planned 5G spectrum auction, according to official sources.

The firewall, installed in 2024, was aimed at strengthening oversight of online content and enhancing digital monitoring capabilities. However, sources said the project failed to deliver the desired results and caused significant financial losses amounting to billions of rupees.

Officials familiar with the matter said the system faced persistent technical challenges and could not be fully integrated with the country’s existing telecom infrastructure.

As a result, the firewall reportedly disrupted internet services, leading to slower connectivity nationwide.

The slowdown affected millions of users, including freelancers and digital service providers. Thousands of companies relying on online operations also reported disruptions, raising concerns within the IT and telecom sectors.

Experts had previously recommended shutting down the firewall to restore investor confidence and promote growth in the IT and telecommunications industry.

They argued that the system was creating operational bottlenecks and discouraging foreign and local investment.

The decision to discontinue the firewall comes ahead of the government’s plans to auction 5G spectrum, a move seen as critical for boosting digital infrastructure and attracting new investment into the technology sector.