PECA amendments pave way for tougher penalties

The federal government has moved to strengthen the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) with new amendments targeting fake news and unlawful online content.

The proposed amendments to the Electronic Crimes Prevention Act 2025 introduce severe penalties for spreading disinformation online, including up to three years in prison and fines of up to Rs2 million. 

These changes also call for the establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) to regulate social media and online platforms more effectively. The DRPA will have significant authority to remove unlawful content and ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines.

The body will be led by a chairperson and include six members, including officials from the Ministry of IT, the Ministry of Information, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The DRPA will investigate complaints, issue directives for content removal, and enforce digital ethics.

The amendments expand the definition of “social media platforms” to include websites, applications, and tools that facilitate online communication. The authority will regulate content such as blasphemy, hate speech, incitement to violence, defamation, and any material that threatens Pakistan’s defense or security.

A list of 16 prohibited content categories has been specified.

Social media companies will be required to register with the government, set up local offices, and appoint representatives in Pakistan. They must remove flagged content within a specified timeframe or face penalties.

While the government argues that these measures are necessary to combat fake news and hate speech, critics fear they may lead to censorship or be misused by authorities.

The government has assured that the amendments will be implemented transparently, with safeguards to protect citizens’ rights. This legislation is expected to be presented in Parliament soon, marking an important step in regulating Pakistan’s digital space.