Proposed social media regulatory authority: Govt decides to consult stakeholders

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to consult on the proposal to establish a social media regulatory authority. According to government sources, a special committee of the cabinet has invited media houses and other stakeholders for consultation on the proposed amendment bill and establishment of the Digital Rights Protection Authority.

This issue came up in the last meeting of the federal cabinet, on which the prime minister had constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Rana Sanaullah and directed that the draft of PECA Amendment Bill should be reviewed and consensus should be evolved before presenting in the parliament.

According to sources, the purpose of establishing the Social Media Regulatory Authority is to advise the government on matters related to digital rights, responsible use of the Internet and ensuring compliance with regulations.

In meetings with media houses and stakeholders, issues related to facilitating collaboration with social media platforms to promote a positive digital ecosystem under the proposed authority will be considered. Issues related to regulating online content by the proposed Digital Rights Authority will also be considered in the consultative meeting.

Apart from this, there will also be a discussion on the procedure for investigating violations of law on social media. Matters related to the summoning of witnesses and persons guilty of violating social media laws will also be considered in the consultation.

The government believes that this bill is being prepared to protect the privacy of private lives of citizens from threats posed by social media. The proposed PECA Amendment Bill 2024 regarding the Social Media Regulatory Authority will be tabled in parliament.