Amnesty Criticizes Pakistan for Passing Controversial Social Media Control Bill

Pakistan’s National Assembly on Thursday passed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, intensifying government control over the digital landscape, according to Amnesty International. The amendment introduces criminal penalties for disseminating “false and fake information,” with offenders facing up to three years in prison and fines.

Critics, including Babu Ram Pant of Amnesty International, argue that the vague definitions could stifle online expression and dissent.

The bill, presented without consultation or debate, expands the powers of the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority through the newly established Social Media Regulation and Protection Authority, allowing authorities to block content based on ambiguous criteria. This move has raised alarms about violations of freedom of expression and international human rights standards.

The amendment follows a history of using the original Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, enacted in 2016, to target journalists and activists. In recent months, the government has imposed blanket bans on several social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter).