In a significant move to regulate digital platforms, the government has proposed key amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, aiming to increase accountability for social media companies and online service providers operating in Pakistan.
The Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2025, introduced in the Senate by a PML-N Senator, seeks to revise Section 38 of PECA, which currently offers legal protection to internet service providers against action for failing to remove or block objectionable content.
End of Legal Immunity for Non-Compliant Platforms
Under the proposed changes, platforms and companies that fail to comply with content removal directives from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) or other relevant authorities will no longer be shielded from legal action.
Entities affected by the amendment include:
- Internet service providers
- Mobile and telephone operators
- Web platforms
- Payment services
- Data storage and processing companies
The amendment mandates strict compliance with takedown orders. Non-compliance will result in direct legal consequences, not only for the company as a whole but also for individual officers deemed responsible—marking a significant shift in the country’s legal framework.
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Accountability for Harmful Online Content
Officials argue the amendment is essential for building a safer and more responsible digital environment. Critics of the current law have long claimed it gives tech platforms too much leeway, allowing them to evade accountability for hosting harmful or unlawful content.
The new provisions aim to close these gaps by:
- Holding platforms legally accountable for ignoring government directives
- Empowering authorities to take swift action against violators
- Creating personal liability for responsible individuals within companies
If passed, this bill will introduce one of the strictest compliance regimes for digital platforms in the region, putting Pakistan in line with other countries increasing pressure on big tech to police online content.
