ISLAMABAD: In a bid to counter the rampant dissemination of false information and malicious propaganda, the government has taken the decision to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act of 2016 (PECA), along with other relevant legislation, currently under careful examination.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed a committee last year, led by Law and Justice Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, to address this pressing issue. The committee, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology (MIT), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), has nearly concluded its mission, according to local media.
The comprehensive measures are being implemented to tackle the spread of false information targeting individuals, groups, organizations, and entities with the intent to tarnish their reputation and image. The authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of effective countermeasures, The News reported.
Government to revise social media regulations
The existing social media regulations are set to be revised, granting increased powers to the PTA and FIA to curb the proliferation of fake news. Simultaneously, an “e-safety law” is being introduced to safeguard official portals from such malicious activities.
Moreover, it is anticipated that an additional section will be incorporated into the PECA to empower relevant authorities to take stringent action against the perpetrators and ensure their just punishment.
PTA officials assert that the current PECA, enacted in 2016, fails to provide sufficient support for taking action against those who propagate false news. Consequently, the FIA has encountered significant challenges in responding to complaints regarding the circulation of fake news and seeking appropriate redress.
In recent months, an exponential rise in complaints has been witnessed, particularly concerning a group of individuals intentionally damaging the reputations of specific organizations and individuals. Although these grievances were deemed legitimate, the authorities were unable to take decisive action against the culprits.
To hold social media companies accountable for the content on their platforms, they will be required to either operate from Pakistan or establish offices within the country. Failure to comply may result in the blocking of their platforms or the removal of offensive content upon receiving valid complaints.
Efforts are underway to ensure that the legislation is prepared before the National Assembly’s term expires and the current government’s tenure concludes. In the event of any unforeseen delays, sources suggest that the law may be transformed into an ordinance through the caretaker government, even after the current regime’s term ends.
