Peca law amendments disproportionate, against free speech: Freedom Network

ISLAMABAD: Increased use of legal cases is proving to be a new threat for journalists who are facing summons and notices under the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). This law is helping the government to restrict online freedom of expression, media watchdog Freedom Network warned.

The federal government passed on January 23, dracnonain-like amendments to the PECA law without taking stakeholders, including civil society and working journalists, into confidence. The changes propose three years prison term for sharing disinformation. Under the law the Federal Investigation Agency’s Cybercrime Wing would establish a new authority with “vast powers,” including full or partial blocking of social media platforms in the country.

“Freedom Network finds the amendments disproportionate, non-transparent and anti-free speech. The prison and fine are disproportionate. These amendments will lead to silencing dissenting voices and suppressing critical journalism instead of countering disinformation. The PECA amendments are a new tool of self-censorship,” Executive Director Iqbal Khattak said Friday in Digital Rights Alert by Freedom Network.

The successive governments, Iqbal Khattak said, always attempted to shrink space available for freedom of expression. “The digital ecosystems are also under attack after the legacy media was run down. We share citizens’ concerns regarding disinformation and we are ready to help the government overcome the problem. “The approach the government is taking is a wrong one. Prison terms, blocking social media sites and imposing fines will not help the country. Under the new amendments, the government will establish “Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority,” similar to PEMRA to reign in digital platforms where dissidents and opposition parties are more active. The new authority will be powered to restrict content contradicting “ideology of Pakistan” or criticism of state institutions. Under the amendments, the social media platforms will be required to register with the new digital regulatory authority “National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency.