ISLAMABAD: In a recent development aimed at overseeing social media, the government is gearing up to introduce legislation to regulate it, despite facing criticism from various stakeholders and digital rights activists.
The proposed amendments to the PECA Act 2016 will pave the way for the establishment of the Digital Rights Protection Authority.
Reportedly, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has greenlit the formation of this authority through modifications to the PECA Act, as per ProPakistani.pk. The Cabinet’s Legal Reforms Committee has put forth the amended bill and the proposal for creating the Digital Rights Protection Authority. Inputs have been solicited from the Ministry of IT, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, and other relevant stakeholders regarding this legislative move.
Under the proposed amendments, the Digital Rights Authority will be housed within the Ministry of IT and Telecom. Its primary role will involve advising the government on matters concerning digital rights, ensuring the responsible usage of the internet, and enforcing regulations to foster a healthy digital environment. Collaboration with social media platforms will also be facilitated to cultivate a constructive digital ecosystem.
The envisioned Digital Rights Authority will be entrusted with regulating online content and investigating potential violations of social media laws. It will be empowered to take action against those found breaching the new provisions of the PECA law.
Moreover, the Authority may summon individuals and witnesses implicated in digital rights infringements and establish protocols for enforcing digital rights laws.
