PECA Act to be amended to regulate social media

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (PECA) Act, 2016, and form a Digital Rights Protection Agency (DRPA) to regulate social media.

In this regard, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a draft for amending the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (PECA) Act, 2016 to regulate the social media.

According to sources, the establishment of Digital Rights Protection Agency (DRPA) has been approved under the PECA Act 2024.

The new PECA Bill will be presented in the Parliament after the approval of the Cabinet, the authority will advise the government on matters related to digital rights.

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The proposed PECA bill and the establishment of the Digital Rights Protection Authority will fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Information Technology. The authority will advise the government on digital rights-related matters, ensure responsible use of the internet and enforce regulations.

It will collaborate with social media platforms to facilitate the promotion of a positive digital ecosystem. It will also regulate online content, investigate violations of the new PECA law on social media and take action against violators.

The proposed authority will be able to demand information from involved individuals and witnesses. It may also establish rules to enforce laws related to digital rights and will create a secure and trustworthy digital environment while promoting user protection online and safeguarding fundamental rights.

According to officials, this bill has been formulated to protect the privacy of citizens from the dangers associated with social media; it has no connection with institutions.

Last week, the Ministry of IT had issued an SRO to establish the National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority.