ISLAMABAD: The Asia Internet Coalition, an association representing global tech giants, has expressed its reservations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the recently passed Data Protection and E-Safety Bills in Pakistan and other similar legislations.
The coalition fears that Pakistan might become an outlier on the global stage due to these laws after the federal cabinet’s approval of the Personal Data Protection Bill 2023 and the E-Safety Bill 2023 on July 27.
However, the bills have received criticism from various groups, including digital rights activists, civil society members, individuals, and organizations related to business, investment, and technology, both nationally and internationally.
The letter from the AIC highlighted concerns about the proposed changes to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act of 2016 (PECA) and the online content-blocking system.
According to the coalition, in its current state, Pakistan risks becoming a global outlier, needlessly isolating and depriving Pakistani users and businesses of the growth potential of the Internet economy.
The coalition added that the aforementioned laws will undermine the government’s policy on investor confidence.
The letter mentioned that amidst the prevailing economic challenges confronting the nation, it is imperative to prioritize economic recovery, policy certainty, and predictability to foster investor trust and commitment to Pakistan.
The coalition members expressed their belief in the potential for multi-stakeholder dialogue to shape policies and legislation to foster innovation and technological advancement. They urged the Pakistani government to collaborate with the industry in establishing practical and transparent regulations that preserve the advantages of the Internet while balancing the country’s interests.
They called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to foster an environment that encourages innovation, investment, and progress in the digital landscape, benefiting all stakeholders.
The AIC clarified that it is not against regulation but believes that the legislation must address crucial issues such as internationally recognized rights to privacy and individual expression.
They emphasized that doing otherwise would derail the efforts that the Pakistani government and the ICT industry have painstakingly invested in for many years.
