Govt weighs to amend PECA to tackle spread of fake news, illegal content

Amid alarming rise in fake new, the federal government weighs to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to tackle the spread of fake news and other illegal content. 

According to the proposed outlines, unlawful material including fake news, content inciting hatred against state institutions and the dissemination of fear and panic will be made serious crime and perpetrators may face up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of Rs1 million under the new provisions. 

The draft suggests the government plans to set up a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) to oversee content regulation. The authority comprise a chairperson and six members for increasing oversight in the digital domain. The proposal is currently under review for further deliberation. 

The government has decided to introduce amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The revised legislation will be called the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2024. The key amendments include the establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA). 

Under the amendment, the powers currently held by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) under PECA will be transferred to the DRPA. The authority will be responsible for registering social media platforms and defining terms and conditions for their operation. The DRPA will also be empowered to block or remove illegal content from social media platforms.