WASHINGTON: A United States news agency on Saturday reported that administration of Facebook has turned down Pakistan’s demand of linking opening of new accounts with mobile number citing issue of users’ rights.

On meeting with Pakistani officials, Facebook Spokesperson said that his organization put forth concerns over ongoing cases in Pakistani courts.

It should be recalled that Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had requested Facebook to link opening of new accounts with telephone numbers. “Mobile numbers are verified through biometric verification system in the country. Currently, Facebook accounts are being opened through an email. The issue of fake accounts could be overcome if all existing accounts are verified with phone numbers,” a PTA official told.

At present, opening of Facebook account merely requires email verification. Moreover, PTA had received over 6000 online complaints which were reviewed and 357 accounts were blocked over presence of blasphemous content.—NNI