ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has granted principle approval to two crucial pieces of legislation, the E-Safety Bill 2023 and the Personal Data Protection Bill 2023. These bills are expected to have far-reaching implications for digital rights and the country’s digital economy. Additionally, a commission will be established to enforce the Personal Data Protection Bill.
The main objective of the Data Protection Bill is to safeguard user data and prevent its illegal use in information systems. It aims to protect consumers’ data across various online services, including online shopping and social networking websites in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the E-Safety Bill is geared towards combating cybercrimes like online harassment, cyberbullying, and blackmailing. The legislation will establish a new regulatory authority, “The E-Safety Authority,” responsible for registering and monitoring websites, YouTube channels, and existing media house websites to protect citizens, businesses, and institutions from online harassment.
The proposed E-Safety Authority will monitor the front-end of websites and take action against violations, filling the gap where cybercrime cases often surpass the investigative capacity of existing agencies like FIA and PTA.
On the other hand, the Data Protection Bill will govern the privacy of data collected by various digital platforms, e-commerce websites, news, and entertainment websites. Entities collecting or maintaining data in Pakistan, whether digitally or non-digitally, will be required to register themselves and appoint a data protection officer under the legislation.
The Asia Internet Coalition (AIC) has expressed concerns over the draft data protection law, fearing it may hinder global digital services access, raise business costs, and dampen foreign investment. AIC Managing Director, Jeff Paine, urges the government to engage in transparent stakeholder consultations to address these issues.
Digital rights campaigner and Meta board member, Nighat Dad, has raised concerns about the lack of consultations on this crucial matter, emphasizing the need for a more democratic approach to policymaking.
The government, however, asserts its responsibility to protect the interests of Pakistan and its citizens, even if it conflicts with commercial entities’ concerns about business operations.
