The National Assembly on Thursday passed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced by Federal Minister for Industries & Production Division Rana Tanveer Hussain. The controversial legislation was approved despite a walkout by members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and journalists.
Key Features of the Amendment Bill
1. Establishment of Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority
A new clause (1A) has been added to create the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority with its headquarters in Islamabad and offices in provincial capitals. The authority’s responsibilities include:
- Facilitating and registering social media platforms.
- Protecting the rights of social media users.
- Canceling registrations and taking disciplinary actions against platforms violating the PECA Act.
- Blocking unlawful content, especially material against Pakistan’s ideology, incitement to break the law, or targeting armed forces, parliament, or provincial assemblies.
The authority’s chairman will be appointed based on the following criteria:
- At least a bachelor’s degree.
- Minimum of 15 years of experience in a relevant field.
- A five-year non-renewable term.
2. Formation of a Social Media Complaints Council
The amendment introduces a Social Media Complaints Council, comprising:
- Five members and one ex-officio member.
If social media platforms fail to comply with the authority’s directives, the matter will be escalated to a newly formed Social Media Protection Tribunal.
Social Media Protection Tribunal
The federal government will establish the tribunal, chaired by a former High Court judge, and include a journalist and a software engineer. Decisions made by the tribunal can be challenged in the Supreme Court of Pakistan within 60 days.
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National Cybercrime Investigation Agency
The bill proposes the creation of a National Cybercrime Investigation Agency to replace the FIA’s Cybercrime Wing. Key points include:
- A Director General will lead the agency, appointed for three years.
- Officers will hold powers equivalent to police officers of similar ranks.
- All cybercrime-related investigations will transfer to the new agency.
Penalties for Fake News and Unlawful Content
The bill imposes strict penalties, including:
- Up to three years imprisonment or a Rs. 2 million fine for spreading fake news.
- Authority to block content violating laws or inciting citizens to illegal acts.
Criticism and Controversy
The bill faced backlash from journalists and opposition members, who expressed concerns over the potential misuse of authority to stifle freedom of expression. Despite these concerns, the government emphasized the need for stricter regulations to counter online fake news and protect national security.
