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A representational image showing "fake news" on a laptop screen. — AFP/File
#Due #consultations #prior #proposed #Peca #amendments
In light of various concerns raised by different sections of the society, the government has said that it has conducted proper consultations and the proposed amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act, 2016 (PECA) were not done in isolation.
“Consultations have been done at various stages,” Prime Minister’s Coordinator Rana Ehsan Afzal said while speaking on Geo News’ program ‘Jeo Pakistan’ on Thursday.
The official’s remarks came after the federal government proposed amendments to PECA to reduce the jail term from seven years to three years for the offense of “willfully spreading false and fake information”.
The draft, titled “Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025”, includes new definitions, establishment of regulatory and investigative bodies, and tougher penalties for spreading “false” information.
“A person who knowingly disseminates, publicly displays, or transmits through any information system any information which he knows or has reason to believe is false or fraudulent; and causes or is likely to cause fear, panic or a feeling of unrest among the general public.The society shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three years or with fine which may extend to Rs.20 lakhs. or both punishments should be given will.” The law was originally introduced by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government in 2016.
The proposed changes, if passed, propose the creation of a Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA) with broad powers to block or remove online content deemed harmful to public safety or state interests. , would allow an individual to be “bothered by false and inaccurate information.” Approach the authority to remove or block access to such information and the authority will issue orders within 24 hours of the request.
Further, the Authority – consisting of a Chairperson and eight other members including Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Chairman of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and Chairman of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) or any of the PTA Member included. Any social media platform may require any method, form and payment of such fees as may be prescribed for registration with it.
The draft also proposes to establish a National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and a Social Media Protection Tribunal.
No abuse, more customization possible
Defending the proposed changes in the controversial law, Prime Minister’s Coordinator Afzal said the issue of misuse of social media is not a political issue but actually affects millions of people who have been defamed.
Stressing the need to update the relevant laws, he said that due to the problems within the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the lack of capacity to address the grievances of the people in this domain, a new authority should be set up. is being done.
“There is a lot of misinformation out there that violates people’s rights. […] Will we allow the violation of people’s rights to continue,” he questioned.
When asked about the role of the government, Afzal noted that it is the role of the executive to appoint people and run such institutions and if any serious lapses come to light, they can be properly rectified.
In response to a question regarding the possibility of misuse of the said law, he said:[This law] Will not be misused [and if it is] Where more than one forum will be available. [the misuse] can be identified and the law can be further amended. [if needed]”
Addressing the seemingly wide scope of “misinformation”, he assured that when the relevant authority is established, there will be further fine-tuning, with its own terms of reference (TO). Rz) will be the key performance indicators. (KPIs) and everything will be graded.
“It is a broader aspect, however, when an authority is established it will frame its own rules and regulations,” he remarked.
Assuring that due process would be followed and the proposed changes would be discussed, he said the issue was a big one but political parties looked at it narrowly.
“It is not PTI vs PML-N. [….] You have to meet the abuses of development, modernity. [in social media]“Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made the situation worse,” he lamented.
