Facebook has blocked the popular page of a liberal rock band in Pakistan at the request of the government, angering activists campaigning against censorship in the Islamic country.
Rock band “Laal” (Red) formed in 2007 and are known for their progressive politics.
Their Facebook page has more than 400,000 likes, with users frequently joining debates on issues ranging from feminism to the role of the country’s army in politics.
But it has been inaccessible to users from inside Pakistan since Wednesday.
“Facebook didn’t even inform us, I realized when I noticed no activity on our page,” Taimur Rahman, the band’s lead guitarist said.
Facebook confirmed the move to AFP Friday saying the page had been blocked inside Pakistan at Islamabad's request, under an agreement to limit access to material that violates local laws.
A Facebook spokeswoman said: “While we never remove this type of content from the site entirely, like most Internet services, we may restrict people from accessing it in the countries where it is determined to be illegal.
“Before we restrict the content, we take significant steps to investigate each unique claim, consult with local counsel and other experts in the country, and will only remove content in the most limited way possible,” she added.
Pakistan practices extensive Internet censorship, blocking YouTube in 2012 following the release of a low-budget film that was critical of Islam.

Facebook blocks rock band page at Pakistan govt request

The Pakistani “Laal” band’s Facebook page has more than 400,000 likes. (Photo courtesy: The Hindu newspaper)
AFP, Islamabad
Friday 06 June 2014
Last Update: Friday, 06 June 2014 KSA 14:53 - GMT 11:53
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