Pakistan’s government proposes tough penalties for spreading fake news online

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government amended the cybercrime law to impose stricter penalties on individuals guilty of intentionally spreading fake news. Proposed changes: those convicted could face up to five years in prison or a fine of Rs1 million.
The draft amendments include a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA), which would be granted broad powers to remove or block online content deemed harmful to public safety, state interests, or national security. The new legislation seeks to address the growing concern over the misuse of digital platforms and public order.
According to the draft, individuals guilty of spreading false information, inciting fear, or creating unrest through online platforms could face imprisonment and fines. The law also targets content that promotes religious or ethnic hatred, terrorism, and violence against the state. Additionally, the authority removes online material involving threats, false accusations, or pornography.
The DRPA will be led by a chairman and six members, including three ex-officio members. The authority will be responsible for upholding digital rights and ensuring cybersecurity. Decisions made by the authority can be challenged in a tribunal, providing a system of checks and balances.
This proposal comes amid growing concerns by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over the misuse of social media platforms to spread fake news and propaganda, which poses a threat to Pakistan’s national interests. The government has previously criticised the increasing use of digital platforms to disseminate false information about the country’s security and stability.
The new measures follow recent disruptions to internet services in Pakistan, including trials of an internet firewall that led to slow internet speeds and disruptions in access to social media platforms. These disruptions have made it difficult for users to share media and access various online platforms, although the reasons for these outages remain unclear.
Islamabad SP Adeel Akbar Suicide Shocks Police Community
48 minutes ago
Federal Cabinet Approves Ban on TLP Group
7 hours ago
Demolition of Muslim Homes Continues in India
In Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s India, bulldozer politics are in full force as the demolition of Muslim homes continues in…United States Imposed New Sanctions on Russia, Says Trump
The United States has imposed new sanctions on Russia to pressure President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine.…Israel Passes Bill to Annex Occupied West Bank Territory
The Israeli parliament has given initial approval to a controversial and illegal bill to annex the occupied West Bank. This…PAF Chief Visits Romania to Boost Defence Ties
Rawalpindi: During an official visit to Romania, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff of…
Rapid increase in HIV cases among children in Nawabshah
A serious health concern has come to light in Sindh, as officials have reported a rapid increase in HIV cases…Dengue and Malaria Cases Continue to Rise in Interior Sindh
Dengue and malaria continue to spread rapidly across Hyderabad and several districts of interior Sindh, as hospitals remain flooded with…An incident of violence against polio workers in Karachi
An incident of violence against polio workers in Karachi took place in FB Area Block 14, Goharabad. A team giving…258 Prisoners in Balochistan Jails Suffer from TB, AIDS, and Hepatitis
A recent health report has revealed that 258 prisoners in Balochistan jails are suffering from TB, AIDS, and Hepatitis. These…
Islamabad SP Adeel Akbar Suicide Shocks Police Community
Islamabad Police officer SP Adeel Akbar has reportedly died after…48 minutes agoDemolition of Muslim Homes Continues in India
In Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s India, bulldozer politics are in…1 hour agoAzhar Mahmood Advises Babar Azam to Play Domestic Cricket
Pakistan’s red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood has advised star batter…2 hours agoGold Prices Drop in Pakistan Following Global Trends
KARACHI: Gold prices in Pakistan saw a decline on Thursday,…6 hours ago