Latest news with #PECA2025
Express Tribune
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
LHC, IHC take up pleas against PECA
The Lahore High Court has sought replies from the PTA and the Punjab government on petitions filed by the PUJ and others challenging the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act 2025. During the proceedings, Justice Farooq Haider expressed displeasure over the non-submission of replies by the Punjab government and the PTA. However, the federal government had already submitted its response. The PTA's counsel requested additional time to file a reply. Granting the request, Justice Haider warned that if the PTA fails to submit its response by the next hearing, legal action will be taken. Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued notices to the respondents on another identical petition against the Prevention of Electronic Crime Amendment Act 2025 (PECA 2025). The court also summoned Attorney General of Pakistan for assistance in the case on next hearing. Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas of the IHC heard the petition against the PECA Amendment Act filed through lawyer Adil Aziz Qazi. The court noted that there are other similar petitions pending before the court. The court issued notices to the parties and adjourned the hearing till April 17. The petitioner has named ministries of information, law and justice and others as respondents in the case. It may be mentioned that the identical petitions of PFUJ, Islamabad High Court Journalists Association and others against the PECA Amendment Act are also under hearing at high court. (More input from APP)
Express Tribune
27-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Cyber governance, fake news and Peca
The writer holds an LLM from Singapore Management University. He can be reached at shahidk.2022@ Listen to article Pakistan stands at a critical crossroads in its digital transformation. In an era where falsehood travels faster than truth, a single viral lie can unsettle communities while a data breach can topple industries. With more than 87 million social media users, and a $6 billion e-commerce sector, the nation's digital potential is immense — yet fraught with vulnerabilities. Misinformation erodes social trust, and cybercrime imperils economic progress, making the balance between free expression and regulatory oversight a pressing challenge. Pakistan's digital landscape is a study in contrasts. E-commerce platforms showcase a thriving tech ecosystem, yet weak governance allows criminals and disinformation networks to exploit gaps. Fake news manifests in myriad forms: from well-meaning Covid-19 cure rumours to politically charged deepfakes and blackmail schemes using hacked data. In 2023, phishing scams against banking apps drove a fourfold surge in digital fraud (State Bank of Pakistan) while cybercrime costs the economy $2.5 billion annually (Pakistan Software Houses Association). Such losses deter investors, and over 65% of citizens now avoid online transactions, stifling growth for startups and SMEs (Gallup Pakistan, 2023). Traditional electronic media operates under Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) guidelines, but social platforms often evade similar scrutiny. Engagement-driven algorithms amplify sensational content, sparking rumour-induced crises. During the 2022 floods, fake charity appeals diverted funds from legitimate relief efforts. A baseless claim about a bank's solvency could trigger mass withdrawals, underscoring the chaos unchecked platforms may unleash. To counter this, the government introduced the amended Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025, aiming to curb cyber threats and misinformation. Critics opine that PECA 2025's vague prohibitions on "false" or "fake" content risk violating constitutional freedoms (Articles 19 and 19-A). Ambiguous definitions, they argue, grant authorities unchecked power to block content or target dissent. Additional concerns include opaque criteria for regulating platforms, government-dominated oversight bodies threatening editorial independence, and harsh penalties that may deter investigative journalism. These fears highlight the delicate equilibrium between security and liberty. Proponents counter that the Constitution permits reasonable restrictions to protect national security and public order. They emphasise that misinformation inciting violence or endangering health can be addressed through judicial oversight. While terms like "false" may seem broad, courts have historically interpreted such language in defamation and fraud cases. Policymakers could adopt similar frameworks, requiring clear standards for labeling content unlawful and mandating due process, such as notice and response opportunities before removal. Content-removal powers exist in various countries to address urgent threats. Singapore's Online Safety Code (2023) empowers the Infocomm Media Development Authority to compel social media platforms to remove "egregious content", fining violators up to SGD 1 million. The tiered approach, bolstered by the Online Criminal Harms Act, includes pre-emptive orders, judicial review, and appeals. Alongside POFMA's correction directives against disinformation, annual reports maintain transparency, and exemptions prevent blanket censorship. This calibrated model, akin to Germany's Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG), offers a blueprint for Pakistan's PECA 2025. A similar model in Pakistan, incorporating a tiered response - from warnings to outright blocking - could deter harmful activities without imposing blanket censorship. Transparent procedures and appeal pathways would allay fears that the government could silence dissent arbitrarily. Debates around enlisting social media platforms focus on preventing discriminatory enforcement. By publicising uniform standards - based on user numbers, content volume, or operational scope - the law can lessen suspicions of capricious decisions. If platforms can appeal a refusal or removal, the process becomes fairer. Many jurisdictions require platforms to adhere to local regulations without entirely stifling innovation, suggesting a balanced approach that involves stakeholder consultation. Government supervision need not inevitably suppress free speech. An inclusive body with representatives from civil society, the judiciary, and industry experts can provide a diversity of perspectives. Statutory autonomy, mandatory reports to parliament, and judicial confirmation for major actions can buttress the idea that this entity serves as an impartial regulator rather than a tool for censorship. Such measures promote transparency and counter concerns about unchecked state control. Critics of severe penalties worry that journalists may self-censor, fearing lawsuits or steep fines. Proponents argue that penalties are necessary to deter malicious actors who thrive on producing inflammatory and destructive content. A nuanced legal framework could distinguish honest mistakes from deliberate falsehood, offering good-faith exemptions for journalists who diligently verify their information. Stronger sanctions could be reserved for individuals who repeatedly spread proven falsehoods, especially those intended to incite violence or sow confusion. Although these arguments may appear polarised, they converge on a shared recognition that unchecked fake news and cybercrime can destabilise society and cripple the economy. PECA 2025, if carefully implemented, could preserve civil liberties while curbing digital threats. Achieving this balance depends on explicit definitions, fair procedures, and credible oversight. The law must undergo regular review and refinement to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies, ensuring it neither becomes toothless nor excessively draconian. Pakistan's digital trajectory depends on fostering innovation while shielding citizens from harm. By refining PECA 2025 through sustained dialogue among policymakers, tech experts, journalists, and civil society, the nation can craft a model framework that balances freedom and security. Transparent criteria, procedural fairness, and accountability mechanisms will build public trust, ensuring Pakistan's digital future is both dynamic and resilient.
Express Tribune
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Three more cases registered under PECA
Authorities have registered three additional cases under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025 for allegedly spreading propaganda against Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and state institutions on social media, police sources confirmed on Thursday. According to officials, the cases were lodged at Shahdara, Shahdara Town, and Kot Lakhpat police stations under multiple serious charges, including digital offences outlined in PECA 2025. The First Information Reports (FIRs) state that artificial intelligence (AI) was used to create manipulated videos targeting the Punjab CM. Police claim these fabricated videos were part of a coordinated effort by a political group to promote an anti-state narrative and incite unrest through online platforms. Authorities suspect the involvement of organized elements behind the dissemination of these videos. However, no arrests have been made so far. The registration of these cases highlights growing concerns over the misuse of AI-generated content to influence public opinion and spread misinformation. Law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to trace and identify those responsible for the alleged digital propaganda. Further investigations are underway, with officials indicating that more action may follow as the probe progresses.
