PM Approves PECA Amendment Bill To Regulate Social Media

In a move to control and censor online activity, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a draft to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (PECA) Act, 2016 to regulate social media through legislation. The proposed PECA Amendment Bill 2024 establishes a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA), which will have the power to monitor and control online social media content, investigate violations, and take action against people who violate the new law. Sources claim that the new PECA Bill will be presented in the Parliament after the approval of the Cabinet. The authority will notify the government on matters related to digital rights.

Govt Cracks Down On Social Media

The document approved by the Law Reforms Committee of the Cabinet states that the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications has contemplated setting up a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) under PECA 2016 to deal with dynamic digital susceptibilities. DRPA will be a crucial step towards the protection of digital rights. Moreover, it will play an important role in protecting citizens’ rights in the digital realm.

According to the sources, DRPA will inform the government on matters related to digital rights. The authority will promote education about online safety, and responsible internet use, in collaboration with social media platforms to guarantee adherence to regulations. DRPA’s other operations will include regulating online content, investigating violations, and charging offenders.

Sources reveal that DRPA may call people for testimony, issue directives, enter into contracts, and make rules to enforce digital rights laws. These actions will help DRPA create a secure and trustworthy digital environment while fostering user safety and protecting fundamental rights in the online realm.

In a significant development, the newly-elected Prime Minister (PM) of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to immediately start the process of full digitization and automation in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). PM chaired an important meeting a few weeks ago, on the economic situation of Pakistan. He proposed that the best model in the world should be adopted to digitize FBR.