———- Clarifies fake news around closure of ATMs
By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued clarification about the fake news of automated teller machines (ATMs) facing closures in Pakistan.
The telecommunication body, in its clarification, stated that there was no issue of the availability or closure of long-distance international (LDI) networks that could affect the IT or financial sector including ATM networks.
In a statement issued, PTA said: “In response to the fake news circulating in the media about potential closure of ATMs, it is clarified that currently there is no such issue of non availability/closure of LDI networks that may potentially impact IT or financial sector including ATM networks.”
The authority added that operations of the expired LDI licensees are not suspended or shutdown.
A day earlier, a banking consortium, which manages the country’s major e-payment gateway, also denied the “fake” reports regarding ATM closures.
“The public is advised not to pay any attention to such hoaxes and consult their banks for any guidance,” the consortium stated.
Earlier this week, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) spokesperson Noor Ahmad told Geo Fact Check that the claims are false. He then referred to a statement from the consortium denying the reports as well.
It should be noted that fake news circulating on WhatsApp and social media in Pakistan had warned people to avoid using ATMs and online banking for the next few days due to an alleged “ransomware attack”.
Earlier, The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) refuted media reports claiming that the non-renewal of long-distance international (LDI) licenses would result in the possible shutdown of automated teller machines (ATM) and a nationwide telecommunications blackout.
In a statement issued here, the authority rejected what it termed as “fake news” circulating in the media about the potential closure of ATMs.
“It is clarified that currently there is no such issue of non-availability/closure of LDI networks that may potentially impact IT or financial sector, including ATM networks. “Please note that operations of the expired LDI licencees are not suspended or shut down,” the PTA added.
Earlier a section of media reported the PTA ‘warned’ possible shutdown of automated ATM and a nationwide telecommunications blackout. The reports said that 40 percent of ATMs and 50 percent of mobile traffic will be affected if LDI licenses weren’t renewed.
Earlier, A recent viral message circulating on social media in Pakistan has sparked widespread concern, warning of imminent ATM closures and advising against online transactions. The message claims that viewing a video titled “Dance of the Hillary” could lead to data loss on mobile phones and attributes the warning to a supposed ransomware cyber-attack.
