Pakistan’s National Assembly has passed the highly controversial amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (peca), granting the government sweeping powers to regulate and control social media platforms.
The bill was introduced as part of efforts to combat the spread of illegal content online, but sparked widespread protests, particularly among journalists.
The Peca Amendment Bill 2024 was presented in the National Assembly as part of a supplementary agenda by Federal Minister Rana Tanveer.
The bill includes provisions to create a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA), which will have the power to remove online content deemed illegal.
The bill also defines a broader scope of illegal content, including content inciting violence, hatred or defamation, as well as content harmful to national security.
The bill passed with overwhelming support in the National Assembly, despite protests from the press.
When the bill was introduced, journalists marched outside the press gallery in protest, condemning what they called restrictions on press freedom and the possibility of excessive government interference in regulation of online speech.
Key provisions of the Peca amendments:
One of the key provisions of the new amendments is the creation of the Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA), which will have the power to remove banned content and take action against people who share such content. The authority will also oversee the regulation of social media platforms and has been given the power to enforce compliance through directives and sanctions.
The bill further expands the definition of “illegal online content”, including content that incites violence, promotes pornography or violates public order.
The government can now block websites, applications or communication channels that violate these new criteria.
The bill also proposes stringent penalties for those involved in spreading false information or fake news, with violators facing up to three years in prison and fines of up to Rs 20 million.
The amendments have sparked controversy among media professionals, many of whom say the bill undermines press freedom and stifles independent journalism.
Journalists have expressed concern that the bill’s vague language could be used to censor critical reporting, particularly regarding government actions.
The Peca amendments also pave the way for the creation of a new Social Media Protection Court to expedite cases involving online crimes, with the court required to resolve cases within 90 days.
Additionally, the bill proposes the dissolution of the cybercrime wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), with its responsibilities transferred to the new National Cybercrime Investigation Agency.
Opposition leaders have expressed serious concerns about the amendments, accusing the government of using the law to suppress dissent and limit freedom of expression online.
The ruling government, however, maintains that these changes are necessary to protect the public from harmful and illegal content that could disrupt national security.
With the bill now passed by the National Assembly, the Peca amendments will likely receive further consideration in the Senate.
Debate over the legislation is expected to continue as Pakistan struggles to balance online freedoms and security concerns in an increasingly digital world.
