Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has greenlit a draft amendment to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, aiming to regulate social media platforms.
The proposed PECA Amendment Bill 2024, if approved by the cabinet, will be presented to Parliament. A key feature of the bill is the establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority under the Ministry of Information Technology.
This new authority will advise the government on digital rights, promote responsible internet use, and enforce regulations. Collaboration with social media platforms to foster a positive online environment is also envisioned. The authority will additionally be tasked with regulating online content, investigating PECA violations on social media, and taking action against those who break the rules.
The ability to request information from individuals and witnesses involved in online incidents is another power granted to the proposed authority. They will also have the authority to establish rules for enforcing digital rights laws and create a secure and trustworthy digital space that prioritizes user protection and safeguards fundamental rights.
Officials emphasize that the bill is designed to protect citizens’ privacy from online threats and is not intended to target institutions. This move follows the Ministry of IT’s establishment of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority last week.
