The federal government has decided to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to tackle the spread of fake news and other illegal content.

A proposed draft outlines 16 categories of unlawful material, including fake news, content inciting hatred against state institutions, and the dissemination of fear and panic.

Violators could face up to five years in prison or a fine of Rs. 1 million under the new provisions.

The draft also includes the establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) to oversee content regulation. The authority will consist of a chairperson and six members, aiming to strengthen oversight in the digital domain. The proposal is currently under review for further deliberation.

Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA)

Federal coalition government has decided to introduce amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), with an initial draft of the proposed changes already prepared.

According to sources, the revised legislation will be called the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2024.

One of the major amendments includes the establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA).

As per the draft, the DRPA will consist of a chairperson and six members, with the federal government appointing the chairperson and three members for a three-year term.

Secretaries from the Ministry of Information, Ministry of IT, and the Chairman of the PTA will also serve as members of the authority.

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, restrict access to social media when necessary, and take action against the spread of fake news.

The draft is expected to undergo further review before being presented for formal approval.