Premier approves amendment to PECA 2016 to regulate social media

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved amendment to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016 to regulate the social media, Dunya News reported on Wednesday.
According to details, the establishment of Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) has been approved under the PECA 2024. The new bill will be presented in parliament after the approval of the cabinet. The authority will advise the government on matters related to digital rights.
Sources said the document approved by the Law Reforms Committee of the Cabinet states that the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications has considered setting up a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) under PECA 2016 to deal with dynamic digital vulnerabilities.
Sources further said the DRPA would be an important step towards protection of digital rights and could play an important role in ensuring the protection of citizens’ rights in the digital realm.
The DRPA will advise the government on matters related to digital rights, promote education about online safety, and responsible internet use, in collaboration with social media platforms to ensure compliance with regulations. DRPA’s other functions include regulating online content, investigating violations, and prosecuting offenders.
Sources said the authority may summon individuals for testimony, issue directives, enter into contracts and make rules to enforce digital rights laws.