As part of the federal government’s decision to regulate social media through legislation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has authorized a draft to alter the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, sources said.
The sources stated that the proposed PECA Amendment law 2024 calls for the creation of a Digital Rights Protection Authority. After the cabinet approves the law, it will be introduced in the parliament.
The cabinet’s Legal Reforms Committee endorsed the proposed amendment bill and advised creating the Digital Rights Protection Authority, which will be governed by the Ministry of Information Technology, they continued.
According to the sources, the authority will consequently oversee responsible internet use, enforce laws, and counsel the government on issues pertaining to digital rights.
It will work with social media networks to make it easier to promote a healthy digital ecology. In addition, it will control internet content, look into social media infractions of the recently passed PECA law, and prosecute offenders.
Witnesses and parties involved may be asked for information by the proposed authority. It will establish a safe and reliable digital environment, encourage user protection online, and preserve fundamental rights. It may also set guidelines to enforce laws pertaining to digital rights.
Officials claim that this bill has nothing to do with institutions and was created to safeguard citizens’ privacy from the risks posed by social media.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority was established by the SRO that was released last week by the Ministry of IT.
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