ISLAMABAD: To combat the dissemination of fake news and propaganda, the government of Pakistan has made the decision to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act of 2016 (PECA). Other relevant laws are being studied.
Last year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a committee under Law and Justice Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, which has nearly completed its task with the assistance of the Ministry of Information Technology (MIT), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
The proposed amendments aim to address fake news and propaganda targeting individuals, groups, organizations, and entities that harm their reputation or image. The amendments may enhance the authority of the PTA and FIA in checking fake news by amending social media rules.
In addition, authorities are introducing an “e-safety law” to protect official portals. A new section in PECA may be included to empower authorities to take stringent action against offenders.
Authorities at the PTA believe that the current PECA, enacted in 2016, does not provide sufficient assistance in taking action against those spreading fake news. Consequently, the FIA has faced difficulties in addressing complaints related to fake news and taking appropriate action.
Complaints have surged in recent months regarding a group of individuals damaging the reputation of specific organizations and individuals. However, authorities have been unable to take action against the perpetrators due to existing limitations.
The proposed amendments also require social media companies to operate from Pakistan or establish offices in the country. This aims to make them accountable for the content on their platforms. Failure to comply may result in platform blocking or the removal of offensive content upon receipt of complaints.
The government aims to make the law ready before the mandated period of the National Assembly comes to an end. If not implemented now, even the caretaker government may promulgate an ordinance.
