Pakistan’s government is requesting Rs. 20 billion ($117 million) in its upcoming 2024-25 budget for the Digital Information Infrastructure Initiative (DIII). This initiative aims to enhance cybersecurity and establish greater control over social media platforms operating within the country.
A key aspect of the DIII plan involves requiring social media companies to have local offices in Pakistan. This move, if approved, would potentially restrict access to platforms without a physical presence in the country.
Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication submitted the DIII budget request to the finance division for inclusion in the next fiscal year’s spending plan. This comes after the IT Ministry received Rs. 15 billion ($88 million) for the DIII project in the current fiscal year through a supplementary grant.
Total estimated cost of the DIII project is around $135 million (Rs. 38 billion). The government anticipates utilizing most of the funds this year, with the remaining amount requested for the following fiscal year.
Authorities believe that the new technology implemented through DIII will empower them to regulate social media activity, curb its misuse, and counter malicious online campaigns. This initiative comes on the heels of the previous ban on X (formerly Twitter) in Pakistan, a move that many, including government officials, have circumvented using virtual private networks (VPNs).
DIII plan also includes the development of a legislative framework to formalize social media regulations. These regulations are expected to be incorporated under the existing Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) of 2016.
Pakistani government’s pursuit of increased control over social media, coupled with the requirement for local offices, has sparked discussions about potential limitations on online freedom and the accessibility of social media platforms.
