On January 24, 2025, Pakistan's National Assembly approved a significant piece of legislation aimed at regulating digital rights, which includes the establishment of the Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA). This authority will have the power to remove illegal content, regulate social media, and impose fines for violations.
Experts have raised concerns that while the government claims the law aims to combat misinformation, its vague language poses a threat to journalists, allowing the government to label any dissenting information as fake or a national security issue. Critics argue that the government is obstructing the flow of accurate information while claiming to combat fake news.
Senior journalist Asma Shirazi emphasized that providing accurate information is the government's responsibility, asserting that without ensuring the free flow of information, it is challenging to prevent the spread of misinformation. Journalists have expressed frustration over the reluctance of government spokespersons to answer questions mandated by law.
The recent amendments to the law have broadened the definition of illegal content to include material promoting violence, hatred, or harming national security. The approved bill grants the government the authority to block websites, applications, or communication channels that violate these principles.
Severe penalties for spreading false information have been proposed, including up to three years in prison and fines of up to two million rupees. Additionally, a new Social Media Protection Tribunal will be established to expedite cases related to online crimes, mandated to deliver decisions within 90 days.
Legal experts argue that terms like violence, hatred, and national security are ambiguous and can be subject to interpretation. Senior lawyer Hamid Khan noted that the term national security has historically been misused in the country, allowing powerful entities to manipulate its meaning.
The use of the term national security without clarification has long been a contentious issue among the educated populace. Shirazi warned that this term could be misused to suppress dissent, citing potential repercussions for reporting on corruption within the military.
While there is consensus on the need to curb misinformation, debates continue regarding the necessity of this particular law. Both Khan and Shirazi agree that existing defamation laws are adequate and question the need for a new authority. Khan labeled the law as shameful, asserting it is designed to curtail media freedom and silence opposing narratives.
The bill's passage in the National Assembly has sparked intense debate among journalists, who fear it could jeopardize press freedom and stifle critical reporting. Journalist organizations have protested against the bill, criticizing its ambiguous language and the lack of consultation with media representatives during its formulation.
Afzal Butt, president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, questioned who would determine the veracity of false news under this law, highlighting the lengthy appeals process limited to the Supreme Court, which could delay justice for affected individuals. He suggested that the government should have collaborated with stakeholders to develop an acceptable strategy to tackle misinformation.