Pakistan’s National Assembly has passed the much-debated amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (peca), which gives the government expanded powers to regulate and control social media platforms.

The bill was introduced as part of efforts to combat the spread of illegal content online, but has sparked widespread protests, particularly among journalists.

The Peca Act Amendment Bill 2024 was introduced in the National Assembly under a supplementary agenda by Union Minister Rana Tanveer.

The bill includes provisions for the creation of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA), which will be empowered to remove online content deemed illegal.

The bill also defines a broader scope of illegal content, including material that promotes violence, hatred or defamation, and content that is harmful to national security.

The legislation was passed with overwhelming support in the National Assembly, despite protests from members of the press.

When the bill was introduced, journalists staged a walkout from the press gallery in protest, denouncing what they called restrictions on press freedom and the potential for excessive government regulation of online discourse.

Key provisions of the Peca amendments:

One of the key provisions of the new changes is the creation of the Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA), which will have the power to remove banned content and take action against individuals who share such material. The authority will also oversee the regulation of social media platforms and has been empowered to enforce compliance through directives and sanctions.

The bill further expands the definition of “illegal online content”, including content that incites violence, promotes pornography or undermines public order.

The government can now block websites, applications or communication channels that violate these new criteria.

The bill also proposes stiff penalties for those involved in spreading false information or fake news, with offenders facing up to three years in prison and fines of up to Rs 20 million.

The changes have sparked controversy among media professionals, many of whom argue that the bill infringes on press freedom and stifles independent journalism.

Journalists have expressed concern that the bill’s vague language could be used to censor critical reporting, particularly regarding government actions.

The Peca changes also pave the way for a new Social Media Protection Court to speed up cases involving online crimes, with the court required to resolve cases within 90 days.

The bill further proposes disbanding the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber ​​Crime Wing, with its responsibilities transferred to the newly created National Cyber ​​Crime Investigation Agency.

Opposition leaders have expressed strong concern over the changes, accusing the government of using the law to suppress dissent and limit freedom of expression online.

However, the ruling government maintains that the changes are necessary to protect the public from harmful and illegal content that could disrupt national security.

With the bill now passed in the National Assembly, the Peca amendments are likely to undergo further review in the Senate.

Debate over the legislation is expected to continue as Pakistan struggles to balance online freedoms and security concerns in an increasingly digital world.