Journalists protest as the National Assembly approves jail terms and fines worth millions under the PECA law

National Assembly Passes Amendments to Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016

On Thursday, the National Assembly passed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced by Federal Minister for Industries and Production Division, Rana Tanveer Hussain. The bill, which has sparked controversy, was passed despite a walkout by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers and journalists in protest.

Read More: PTI pledges to launch nationwide protests against the PECA Amendment Bill

Key Features of the Amendments

1. Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority:
   A new clause, 1A, has been introduced to establish the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority. The authority’s headquarters will be in Islamabad, with additional offices in provincial capitals. The authority will oversee social media platforms, protect user rights, and ensure compliance with the PECA Act.
2. Authority’s Powers:
   The authority will have broad powers, including:
   • Cancelling registrations of non-compliant platforms.
   • Setting standards for social media platforms.
   • Blocking unlawful content and directing relevant institutions to remove illegal material.
   • Taking disciplinary actions against platforms violating the law.
3. Authority Leadership:
   The chairman and members of the authority will serve for five years and must have qualifications and experience in relevant fields. They will not be allowed to engage in other business activities.
4. Social Media Complaints Council:
   A Social Media Complaints Council will be established, consisting of five members and one ex-officio member. This body will handle complaints related to non-compliance by social media platforms.
5. Social Media Protection Tribunal:
   The bill proposes the creation of a Social Media Protection Tribunal, which will be chaired by a former High Court judge. The tribunal will also include a journalist and a software engineer. Decisions made by the tribunal can be challenged in the Supreme Court within 60 days.
6. Penalties for Fake News:
   Strict penalties have been outlined for the spread of fake news, with offenders facing up to three years in prison or a Rs. 2 million fine.
7. National Cybercrime Investigation Agency:
   A new National Cybercrime Investigation Agency will be established to investigate illegal activities on social media. This agency will replace the FIA’s Cybercrime Wing, with investigations being transferred to the new agency. The agency will be headed by a Director General, appointed for a three-year term.
8. Additional Powers for Officers:
   Officers and personnel of the authority will hold powers equivalent to those of police officers of the same rank.

Implications and Criticism

While the bill aims to strengthen social media regulation and tackle cybercrimes, it has raised concerns about its impact on freedom of expression and press freedom. The ability to block content that goes against Pakistan’s ideology or targets key institutions, such as the armed forces and parliament, has drawn particular attention from critics.

The bill’s passage sets the stage for significant changes in how social media platforms operate within Pakistan, increasing government oversight while introducing penalties for non-compliance.