The government has drafted the Cybercrime Amendment Bill to overhaul the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 which will legitimize the formation of the Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA).
Sources informed ProPakistani that when the bill gets passed, the federal government will be able to block any kind of online content and fake news and achieve total control over social media platforms and tools like virtual private networks (VPNs).
False information causing fear or insecurity will be penalized with up to five years in prison and a fine of Rs. 1 million, sources revealed.
The draft Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2024 expands the definition of “social media platform” to include tools like VPNs used to bypass restrictions. The DRPA will assume the powers of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) under PECA and regulate online content, removing unlawful material, and enforcing compliance by social media platforms, including establishing their offices in Pakistan.
The draft proposes penalties for posting “fake news,” with offenders facing up to five years in prison and fines of Rs1 million. It expands the definition of unlawful content to include blasphemy, sectarian incitement, obscenity, copyright violations, and defamation of state institutions.
The DRPA will comprise a chairperson and six members, including government officials, one ex-officio member, and most importantly all the powers to block online content in urgent cases.
Appeals against DRPA decisions will be made to a tribunal.
The amendments aim to curb misinformation and enhance digital governance but raise concerns over potential misuse and stifling of online freedoms.
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