Prime Miniter Shehbaz Shareef approved a proposal to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act- PECA 2016 to regulate social media
FOE Link or motive by PPF
ConfirmedCase Update Status
The proposal was approved
Summary of Case
On May 9, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a proposal to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 to regulate social media. The proposed PECA Amendment Bill 2024 advocates for the establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority. Once approved by the cabinet, the bill is slated for presentation in Parliament. The recommendation for the amendment bill came from the cabinet’s Legal Reforms Committee, proposing the creation of the Digital Rights Protection Authority under the Ministry of Information Technology’s purview. The Authority will play a role in advising the government on digital rights matters, overseeing responsible internet usage, and enforcing regulations. Importantly, it will also collaborate with social media platforms to foster a positive digital environment and regulate online content, instilling hope for a safer and more responsible social media landscape. Further, the Authority will have the power to investigate violations of the new PECA law on social media and take appropriate action. It can demand information from individuals and witnesses, establish enforcement rules, and ensure a secure online space, prioritizing user protection and upholding fundamental rights. Previously, the Ministry of IT announced the establishment of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in a notification dated April 24, signaling a shift from the FIA’s Cybercrime Wing to a dedicated cybercrime investigative body.
Category of Incident
Censorship
ICCS Status
ICCS Divisions: 0803-Acts related to freedom of expression or control of expression
ICCS Group: 08039-Other acts related to freedom of expression or control of expression
ICCS Class: -
ICCS Crime: Acts related to freedom of expression or control of expression
Reported By
The News
Date of incident
14
Month
May
Year
2024
Name of affected person
N/A
Other affected persons
N/A
Name of affected organization
N/A
Other affected organizations
N/A
Action by
Federal Government of Pakistan
City
Nationwide
Province
Nationwide
Designation
N/A
Professional category
N/A
Age of victim
N/A
Marital Status
N/ACompensation Details
Amount of compensation announced by government: N/A
Date of compensation announcement by government: N/A
Date of compensation paid by government: N/A
Amount of compensation announced by others: N/A
Date of compensation announced by others: N/A
Date compensation paid by others: N/A
FIR Details
Was FIR registered ?: No
Court Details
Was case investigated ?: N/A
Court where case was presented: N/A
Name of prosecuting lawyer: N/A
Date of first court hearing:
Date of last court hearing:
Status of court case: N/A
Journalist Union Status
PFUJ
No status required
APNS
No status required
CPNE
No status required
PBA
No status required
Media Source Status
Media reports:
"https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1186788-why-no-decision-on-may-9-cases-so-far-ask-govt https://www.geo.tv/latest/543142-peca-law-amendments-to-regulate-social-media-get-pm-shehbazs-approval https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/05/09/pm-shehbaz-approves-peca-law-amendments-to-regulate-social-media/"Condemn Status
Colleague of victim
N/A
Employer organization
N/A
Press Club Status
Press club 1: No version was required
Press club 2: No version was required
Press club 3: No version was required