Asia Internet Coalition concerned over Pakistan e-safety bill

ISLAMABAD: Global media companies are deeply concerned with the proposed e-safety authority and data protection bills that have been approved by the federal cabinet.

The Asia Internet Coalition (AIC) in a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, said the proposed pieces of legislation will hinder digital development and investment in Pakistan.

The AIC pointed out the following bills as points of concern: Personal Data Protection Bill, E-Safety Authority Bill, amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), and Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content Rules (RBUOC).

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The AIC also said they are “alarmed” by the opaque process through which these laws are set to be passed, despite initial reassurances of extensive and broad-based consultation. The lack of credible and transparent consultation erodes investor trust “as they grapple with significant legislative uncertainty.”

The proposed legislation could severely cripple the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy and make it difficult for AIC members to offer their services to Pakistani users and businesses, the letter said.

However, the AIC said, its members are committed to partnership and believe in multi-stakeholder dialogue to shape policies. They urged the government to collaborate with the industry to establish regulations that preserve the advantages of the internet, while balancing the country’s interests.

They also emphasised the need to address internationally recognized rights to privacy and individual expression.

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