The federal government of Pakistan has announced its decision to introduce legislation that will bring about amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.
In a significant move aimed at regulating social media platforms, the federal government of Pakistan has announced its decision to introduce legislation that will bring about amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. These amendments will pave the way for the establishment of the Digital Rights Protection Authority, a specialized body tasked with overseeing and enforcing regulations pertaining to digital rights.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has given his approval for the establishment of this authority through amendments to the PECA Act. The proposal for these amendments, along with the creation of the Digital Rights Protection Authority, was put forward by the Cabinet’s Legal Reforms Committee. Input and recommendations were solicited from various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Information Technology (IT) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
Under the proposed amendments, the Digital Rights Protection Authority will be set up under the purview of the Ministry of IT and Telecom. This authority will serve as an advisory body to the government on matters concerning digital rights and will work towards ensuring responsible internet usage while enforcing relevant regulations. Additionally, it will collaborate with social media platforms to foster a positive digital environment.
One of the key functions of the proposed Digital Rights Protection Authority will be the regulation of online content. It will have the authority to investigate any violations of social media laws and take appropriate action against offenders in accordance with the new PECA legislation. This may include summoning individuals and witnesses involved in digital rights violations and establishing rules to enforce these laws effectively.
The bill proposing the establishment of the Digital Rights Protection Authority will soon be presented before the federal cabinet for consideration. Following approval by the cabinet, the proposed PECA bill of 2024 will be presented in Parliament. Upon approval by Parliament and the President of Pakistan, the authority will be officially established under the Ministry of IT and Telecom, marking a significant step towards regulating the digital landscape in the country.
It is important to note that this development comes on the heels of another initiative by the Ministry of IT, which recently issued a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) regarding the establishment of the National Cybercrime Investigation Authority. These efforts collectively underscore the government’s commitment to addressing digital challenges and ensuring a safe and secure online environment for all citizens.
As discussions surrounding the proposed legislation continue, stakeholders and the public alike will be closely monitoring the progress of these initiatives and their potential impact on digital rights and online governance in Pakistan.