Pakistani Journalists Fear New Cybercrime Law Will Curb Freedoms

Pakistan’s parliament recently approved amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), aimed at combating fake news, which critics warn will further suppress freedom of expression, VOA reported. The amendments impose a three-year prison term and fines exceeding $7,000 for spreading false information. They also expand the definition of prohibited content and establish new regulatory bodies for online content.

Protests erupted among opposition lawmakers and media rights groups, who argue the changes expose journalists and social media users to increased legal risks. The bill is now awaiting the president’s signature to become law. Journalists have expressed concerns that these amendments will enable the military to target dissent and silence criticism.

Pakistan ranks low on global press freedom indices, with over 200 incidents of journalist investigations recorded since PECA was enacted in 2017. While some support regulation of digital spaces, many are alarmed by the rushed passage of the amendments without consultation with media bodies. Protests are planned nationwide against the amendments.