The Pakistani government has decided to strengthen the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) with new amendments targeting fake news and illegal content online.
The bill, titled Electronic Crimes Prevention (Amendment) Act 2025, proposes stringent penalties, including up to three years in prison and fines of Rs 2 million for spreading misinformation, Express News reported.
The amendments also provide for the creation of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA), which will have broad powers to regulate social media and online platforms.
The authority will be empowered to block or remove illegal content and ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Main features
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Expanded definitions:
The amendments redefine “social media platforms” to include websites, applications and tools that facilitate digital communication. This expanded scope also includes any person or entity operating such platforms in Pakistan. -
Authority formation:
The DRPA will consist of a chairman and six members, including secretaries of IT, information and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The body will have jurisdiction to investigate complaints, issue content removal guidelines and recommend measures to ensure digital ethics. -
Content regulation:
The authority will regulate a wide range of content deemed illegal, including blasphemy, hate speech, incitement to violence, obscenity, defamation and material against the defense or security of Pakistan. A comprehensive list of 16 categories of prohibited content was included in the changes. -
Compliance mandates:
Social media platforms may be required to register with the government, establish local offices and appoint representatives in Pakistan. Companies will also be given deadlines to remove content flagged by the authority or face sanctions.
Mixed opinions on the amendments
The government says the changes are necessary to address the rise of fake news and hate speech, which has contributed to public unrest and societal divisions.
While supporters of the law point to its potential to curb online misinformation and ensure accountability, critics fear the law could lead to censorship or misuse by authorities.
The government assured that the amendments would be implemented in a transparent manner, with the necessary guarantees to protect the rights of citizens.
The bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament soon, marking an important step in the country’s efforts to regulate the digital landscape.
