Check out PTA’s Role in Recovering Facebook and WhatsApp Accounts of Pakistanis

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has been actively supporting account recovery efforts in collaboration with Meta ( parent company of Facebook and WhatsApp). According to a credible source, the PTA forwarded 37 cases of hacked accounts, including 27 Facebook and 10 WhatsApp accounts to Meta for restoration. However, the regulator noted the lack of records of hacking complaints from previous years, as users often report such incidents directly to social platforms.

The national telecom regulator also highlighted multiple factors contributing to account breaches. These include social engineering scams, data breaches, unsecured public Wi-Fi, malware, weak passwords, and a lack of two-factor authentication (2FA). In addition, the use of free virtual private networks (VPNs) has also been identified as a vulnerability.

PTA has stressed digital literacy and proactive account security measures to address these risks. Public awareness campaigns through SMS, social media, and print media should be carried out to educate users on protecting their accounts.

Furthermore, users are advised to create strong passwords, enable 2FA, avoid sharing one-time passwords, and refrain from using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities. Some other precautions recommended by the PTA include logging out of shared devices and restricting third-party app permissions.

Besides, the PTA also reported 1,043 fake accounts to Meta for blocking and removal in 2024. According to the telecom regulator, these impersonations targeted government officials, politicians, and regular citizens. These initiatives reflect its commitment to enhancing online security and aiding in the resolution of digital challenges faced by users.

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