Pakistan Senate Approves Legislation Targeting Online Misinformation
Tue 28th Jan, 2025
The Senate of Pakistan has enacted a significant piece of legislation aimed at combating the spread of misinformation on social media platforms. This law, which follows a recent approval in the National Assembly, criminalizes the intentional dissemination of false information that is likely to incite fear or unrest among the public. Under the new law, individuals found guilty of intentionally sharing information they know to be false could face penalties of up to three years in prison. Additionally, offenders may be subjected to fines reaching 2 million rupees (approximately $7,121 or EUR6,822). The legislation also establishes a regulatory agency tasked with the authority to promptly block content that is deemed unlawful or offensive, reflecting the government's effort to tighten control over social media. This legislative move has sparked considerable concern among journalists and opposition members, who fear that the law may be employed as a tool to suppress dissent and stifle free speech. Following the bill's passage, journalists staged a walkout in protest from the Senate's press gallery, expressing their belief that the government has failed to engage in an open dialogue regarding the issue of misinformation. Asif Bashir Chaudhry, representing the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, articulated the frustrations of many in the media, stating that while there is a genuine need to address misinformation, the current approach raises alarm over the potential for coercion and intimidation. The Awami National Party (ANP), part of the ruling coalition in the Senate, also expressed dissent by walking out during the vote, indicating a broader unease regarding the implications of the legislation. Opposition leader Shibli Faraz, a member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, criticized the haste with which the bill was passed, highlighting the lack of stakeholder consultation in the process. He described the legislation as undemocratic, warning that it could disproportionately target political activists, particularly those aligned with the PTI. The enactment of this law occurs in a context of heightened government scrutiny over social media, as authorities have previously implemented internet shutdowns during periods of civil unrest, particularly related to protests demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. These developments underscore the delicate balance between regulating online content and preserving democratic freedoms in Pakistan. As the law comes into effect, many are watching closely to see how it will influence the media landscape and public discourse in the country, as well as its potential repercussions for civil liberties and freedom of expression.
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