Is Israeli freelancing platform Fiverr still Labeling Pakistani Freelancers as “Unavailable”?

On August 1, 202, the popular Israeli freelancing platform had started labeling gigs by Pakistani freelancers on Fiverr as “Unavailable” due to the recent internet issues next the rolling out of National Firewall by the government of Pakistan. Freelancers across Pakistan showed their concerns on Facebook and X complaining about the government’s decision. Many freelancers were unsure if this will impact their earnings and impact their reputation of the popular freelancing platform.

Fiverr, headquartered in Israel, is a leading platform for freelancers offering a variety of digital services to clients worldwide. Pakistan is a major player on Fiverr, with a large and active freelance community contributing significantly to the platform’s overall activity. As of 2023, there are over 3 million freelancers in Pakistan, many of whom rely on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork as key sources of income.

The National Internet Firewall and Its Impact on Pakistani Freelancers on Fiverr

The National Internet Firewall, introduced by Pakistan’s government through new legislation, is intended to enhance national security by blocking access to websites and content deemed to pose threats, including those related to digital terrorism. According to Pakistan’s Ministry of IT & Telecom, this initiative is a significant step towards protecting national interests and maintaining cybersecurity.

However, the firewall has faced criticism from digital rights activists and users who argue that it is being used to suppress dissent and limit freedom of expression. The measure has led to widespread complaints about slow internet speeds, which have impacted various online services, including freelancing platforms like Fiverr.

As reported by users, the rolling out of national firewall resulted in slow internet speeds. Fiverr was one of the platforms that took a measure to counter “unpreventable delays” from freelancers based out of different regions in Pakistan. Fiverr in a official announcement stated that the move was made to “ensuring freelancers’ ratings and success score were not impacted by factors outside of their control.”

Although this seems like a harsh move but the platform has made clear that Pakistani freelancers on Fiverr who are not affected by internet issues can mark themselves “available” by following some steps.

Fiverr’s Response to Labeling Pakistani Freelancers Unavailable on the platform

On August 1, 2023, the popular Israeli freelancing platform Fiverr began labeling gigs by Pakistani freelancers as “Unavailable” due to recent internet disruptions following the implementation of Pakistan’s National Firewall. Freelancers across Pakistan voiced their concerns on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), fearing that this could impact their earnings and tarnish their reputations on the platform.

Fiverr, based in Israel, connects freelancers with clients globally, allowing them to offer digital services. Pakistan is a significant player on the platform, with a substantial number of active freelancers contributing to the country’s digital economy.

In response to what the Pakistani government calls “digital terrorism,” the National Firewall was introduced as a measure to enhance national security, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of IT & Telecom. However, digital rights activists and users have criticized the firewall, arguing that it serves as a tool to suppress dissent.

The firewall has reportedly led to slower internet speeds, prompting Fiverr to address potential “unpreventable delays” faced by freelancers in various regions of Pakistan. In an official announcement, Fiverr explained that the move was intended to ensure that freelancers’ ratings and success scores were not adversely affected by factors beyond their control.

Despite the seemingly harsh measure, the freelancing platform has clarified that Pakistani freelancers on Fiverr not impacted by internet issues can still mark themselves as “available” by following some steps.

This development provides some relief to the many freelancers in Pakistan who rely on Fiverr as a primary income source. According to a 2023 report, Pakistan boasts over 3 million active freelancers, with many using Fiverr alongside other platforms like Upwork. The impact of the measures taken by government of Pakistan for the implementation of a National Internet Firewall on the broader digital economy remains a key point of concern for many