Fawad dismisses concerns says regulating social media in ‘public interest’

• 'Regulating social media is perfectly public interest requirement,' says Fawad.
• Under the Citizens Protection [against Online Harm] Rules 2020, social media companies would have to open offices in Pakistan, follow laws of the land, and get registered and share their data with the authority concerned.

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Chaudhry Fawad Hussain has said that regulating social media is a ‘public interest requirement’ despite concerns that the regulations may restrict freedom of expression.

“Regulating social media is perfectly public interest requirement.... you never criticised USA and UK for actually more stringent regulations but for Pakistan you want zero regulation, also in order to bring companies in Pakistan economic laws framework registration is imperative,” said Fawad in a series of tweets.

“These rules are framed in exercise of the powers conferred under clause (c) of sub-section (2A)  of section 8, sub-section (1) of section 54 and clause (ag) of sub-section (2) of section 57 of the PTA Act, 1996 and the sections 35, 37, 48 and 51 PECA,” he added.

regulating Social media is perfectly public interest requirement.... you never criticised USA and UK for actually more stringent regulations but for Pak you want zero regulation, also to bring companies in Pak economic laws framework registration is imperative https://t.co/IQV6SdNxoD

— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) February 14, 2020

On Thursday, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said under the Citizens Protection [against Online Harm] Rules 2020, social media companies would have to open offices in Pakistan, follow laws of the land, and get registered and share their data with the authority concerned.

She said framing rules were necessary for stopping online propaganda against national solidarity and spread of sectarian hate material etc. The government spokesperson also rubbished the claim that the rules were being made to impose restrictions on freedom of expression, saying that the rules are aimed at facilitating the consumers and protecting the national interests.