Govt Defends PECA Amendments; Aim to Tackle Fake News and Damage Caused by Social Media

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has defended the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act 2025, stating that the amendments are aimed at tackling fake news and addressing the damage caused by social media.
Speaking as the chief guest at the oath-taking ceremony of the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) Employees Union on February 2, Tarar stated, “under the guise of journalism,” social media could not be left unchecked. He warned that fake propaganda, false news, harassment, child abuse content, threats to national security, personal defamation, and economic uncertainty are being widely spread online, leading to social unrest.
He announced the establishment of a Digital Media Protection Authority, part of the amendments to PECA, for regulation of digital platforms. The authority will include representatives from the private sector, press clubs, and journalist organizations. Journalists and IT professionals will be part of its tribunal, which will be required to pass orders within 24 hours, and appeals will be allowed in the high court and Supreme Court. He stated that stakeholders would be consulted ahead of finalizing the framework.
“This is a crucial step in addressing the threats posed by social media,” he stated, urging journalistic organizations to support the law, which he said incorporates global digital regulation best practices.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Adviser Barrister Aqeel Malik also backed the legislation, stating that the amendments were necessary and had been “watered-down.” He admitted that there was room for improvement and announced that a committee would be formed to address journalists’ concerns.
“We invite the Joint Action Committee to bring forward their proposals. The rules for Peca have not yet been finalized and are still under development. If journalists believe the rules should be amended or specific clauses need revision, we are ready to discuss the matter,” Malik said during an interview with DawnNews.
Photo: LAHORE, PAKISTAN, JUN 03: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah
Tarar addressing a press conference in Lahore on Monday, June 3, 2024. (PPI Images).