Pakistan’s new social media rules: Rights group slams govt decision to hold consultation

• "The Rules as they exist, merit no discussion at all," says DRF.
• The Asia Internet Coalition (AIC), has expressed its concern over Pakistan's Citizens Protection Rules (Against Online Harm).

Pakistan advocacy organization, the Digital Rights Forum (DRF) has criticized government decision to hold consultation on the Citizens Protection (Against Online Harm) Rules 2020, as the government failed to clarify the ‘legal status’ of the rules.

DRF in a statement stated that “as the government refuses to clarify the legal status of the Rules without which any consultation is merely token to deflect criticism and not a genuine exercise to seek input.”

The digital rights organization was of the view, that “while Cabinet approval for the Rules remains in place, there can be no engagement or consultation. This only shows the government’s intent to use the consultation as a smokescreen while intending to implement and enforce the Rules already prepared and approved. The Rules as they exist, merit no discussion at all.”

DRF also called upon tech companies to ‘unequivocally’ state the terms of their engagement with the government on the Rules.

The digital rights group has demanded that the Rules must be withdrawn by the Federal Cabinet and the decision, as documented through the process, be made public before any consultation is held.

It further called for the repeal of Section 37 of PECA, “under which these Rules have been issued and review the abuse of power by the PTA and government in carrying out its functions since the enactment of PECA.”

Just days ago, the Asia Internet Coalition (AIC), has expressed its concern over Pakistan's Citizens Protection Rules (Against Online Harm).

In a letter address to Prime Minister Imran Khan, AIC stated, “These rules will severely cripple the growth of Pakistan's digital economy….. As no other country has announced such a sweeping set of rules, Pakistan risks becoming a global outlier, needlessly isolating and depriving Pakistani users and businesses from the growth potential of the internet economy.”