Tech Desk 
Dec 03, 2024
On top of the existing stringent controls on internet and social media access, the government of Pakistan is considering "wholesale" amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016, aiming to establish a new authority authorised to block online content and access to social media.
Citing sources, Dawn reported that the changes will also ensure legal action against those disseminating “fake news”.
If came to fruition, the Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA), the authority proposed under the changes, will oversee the removal of online content, prosecute individuals for sharing or accessing prohibited content and action against social media platforms hosting such content, the publication noted after having walked through the draft of the "Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2024".
The prime minister's advisor Barrister Aqeel Malik confirmed the amendments, stating that the new will eliminate “misinformation and negative propaganda”.
The biggest tweak proposed in the law is to redefine “social media platform” to include tools and software used to access social media.
A new clause is said to be proposed in Section 2 of Peca which defines such terms mentioned in the law.
“Any person managing a system that allows access to social media” has also been incorporated into the new definition.
The alteration will also redefine “website”, “application”, or “communication channel” enabling people to access social media and share content.
