Pakistan blocks social media apps temporarily on security grounds

Pakistan blocked multiple social media apps temporarily on security grounds on Friday amid a crackdown against a violent militant group, officials said.

“In order to maintain public order and safety, access to certain social media applications has been restricted temporarily,” a senior telecommunications authority official told Reuters, without specifying which social media.

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Pakistan internet users encountered difficulty accessing apps including Whatsapp, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter from late on Friday morning.

Pakistan said this week it would outlaw the militant group Tehrik-i-Labaik Pakistan (TGLP) and the arrest of its leader this week sparked major nationwide protests.