Govt proposes 5-year jail, Rs1m fine for spreading fake news

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has proposed a five-year imprisonment or a fine of Rs1 million for individuals found guilty of deliberately spreading fake news, as part of initial amendments to the cybercrime law, Geo News reported on Tuesday.

The draft introduces significant changes to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (PECA), including the establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) with extensive powers to block or remove online content deemed harmful to public safety or state interests.

According to the draft, spreading false information, inciting fear, or disrupting peace through online platforms could lead to severe penalties. “Individuals found guilty of such offences may face both imprisonment and fines,” reads the draft while also referring to those spreading fear and creating unrest.

The authority will be empowered to block or remove online material targeting law enforcement agencies, state institutions or individuals. It will also have jurisdiction over content promoting religious or ethnic hatred, terrorism and violence against the state. The law further specifies that content involving threats, false accusations or pornography will also be subject to removal. Decisions by the authority can be challenged in a tribunal, ensuring a system of checks and balances.

The authority will consist of a chairman and six members, including three ex-officio members, tasked with upholding digital rights and maintaining cybersecurity across the country.

The proposed tweaks to the cybercrime laws come as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration has time and again decried the misuse of social media platforms for spreading fake news and propaganda that poses a threat to the country’s national interests. Apart from the restricted X services, the country has been witnessing sporadic internet disruptions resulting in difficulties for users to share media and access various social media and communications platforms. The government has already carried out multiple tests of its internet firewall, with the first and second trials conducted in July and August, respectively.

On both occasions, the trials slowed down the internet speeds and disrupted digital platforms. However, no specific reason has come to light for recent internet disruptions featuring slow internet speed.