Pakistan Passes Amendments to Regulate Social Media and Combat Misinformation

Pakistan’s parliament approved a controversial amendment to the country’s cybercrime law on Thursday, granting the government extensive powers to regulate social media and punish what it deems “false or fake” information with hefty penalties.

The amendment to the 2016 Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act passed by the National Assembly establishes severe consequences for those found spreading information that could “cause or create a sense of fear, panic or disorder or unrest.” Violators face up to three years imprisonment, fines of up to two million rupees (approximately $7,200), or both.

Central to the legislation is the creation of a new Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority with broad powers to oversee online platforms operating in Pakistan. The authority will be tasked with regulating content, promoting digital education, and ensuring the safety and rights of social media users. Notably, the amendment grants the government authority to “grant, renew, refuse, suspend and revoke enlistment of social media platforms” accessible within the country.

The timing of this legislation coincides with the passage of the Digital Nation Pakistan Act, which the government has framed as an initiative to harness digital technology for economic growth and governmental modernization. Officials have positioned both pieces of legislation as necessary steps toward advancing Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and protecting citizens online.

However, the amendment has sparked immediate political controversy. Members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the opposition party led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, staged a walkout during the parliamentary session in protest. The PTI has condemned the amendment as “a tool to control digital discourse and silence criticism of the illegal government,” arguing it fundamentally contradicts their party ideology of building trust between government and citizens.

Digital rights advocates have expressed concern that the vague language regarding “false or fake” information could be weaponized against political opponents, journalists, and activists. The subjective nature of determining what constitutes content that might create “fear, panic or disorder” has raised alarms about potential censorship.

Pakistan already ranks among countries with significant internet restrictions. The new regulatory framework represents a further tightening of the government’s grip on digital spaces, coming at a time when social media has become a critical platform for political discourse in the country of 230 million people.

The amendment reflects a growing trend across South Asia, where governments have increasingly sought to regulate online content under the banner of combating misinformation. India implemented similar IT rules in 2021, while Bangladesh has employed its Digital Security Act to prosecute critics.

For Pakistan’s tech sector, which has seen modest growth in recent years, the new regulatory environment creates uncertainty. Industry observers note that compliance requirements could create additional hurdles for both international platforms operating in Pakistan and local startups in the digital space.

The law’s implementation will be closely watched by human rights organizations, who have previously criticized Pakistan’s cybercrime legislation for its potential to curtail free expression. The practical interpretation of what constitutes “false and fake information” will likely determine whether the amendment serves as a legitimate tool against harmful misinformation or becomes a mechanism for political censorship.

As Pakistan navigates its complex political landscape and economic challenges, this amendment signals a significant shift in how digital communication will be governed in the country for years to come.