Minister Calls for Stricter Controls on Social Media

There have been talks about tighter controls on social media in recent times. In this regard, while speaking at a recent press conference, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also voiced his endorsement for stricter regulations on social media. Moreover, he also gave examples of practices observed in countries such as the UK and UAE. Naqvi emphasized the need for laws capable of effectively managing and curtailing the spread of false information, mentioning existing measures in other regions of the world as examples.

Furthermore, the interior minister emphasized the significance of enforcing a framework in Pakistan that imposes strict penalties for spreading false accusations and videos while also upholding freedom of expression. He highlighted the repercussions faced by individuals in countries such as the UK and the UAE for sharing fake news and misinformation. He also asked for the same approach to managing and punishing false claims within Pakistan.

The call for increased control over social media stems from rising concerns regarding the misuse of these platforms, where unverified rumors and fake news can lead to serious societal and individual repercussions.  However, the government should clearly define rules and guidelines so that any authority can’t misuse them.