The federal government is advancing legislation to combat fake news, with a draft of the Cyber Crimes Act shared with relevant ministries for feedback.
According to official sources, the proposed law recommends up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs1 million for individuals convicted of spreading false information. The draft will be refined through consultations with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Information Technology and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
After incorporating feedback, the updated draft will be submitted to the federal cabinet for approval before being introduced as an amendment bill in parliament.
Sources indicate that amendments to the draft may be made based on input received during the consultation process.
Recently, the government announced plans to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to address the proliferation of fake news and other unlawful content. The draft outlines 16 categories of prohibited material, such as false information, hate speech targeting state institutions, and content inciting fear or panic.
Under the proposed amendments, violators could face up to five years of imprisonment or a Rs1 million fine.
The draft also proposes the establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) to regulate digital content. The DRPA would comprise a chairperson and six members, tasked with enhancing oversight of the online domain. This proposal is currently under review.
The amendments would transfer content regulation authority from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to the DRPA. The new body would oversee the registration of social media platforms, define operational terms, and hold the power to block or remove illegal content. The DRPA could also restrict access to social media platforms when required and take action against the dissemination of fake news.
