The federal government has addressed concerns over the proposed amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (Peca), assuring that the law will not be misused and that due process will be followed. Prime Minister’s Coordinator Rana Ihsaan Afzal stressed the importance of debate and fine-tuning the contentious legislation.
Key Amendments to Peca
The government has tabled the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, which introduces significant changes to the law. These include:
- Reducing the jail term for spreading false information from seven years to three years.
- Imposing fines up to Rs2 million or a combination of both penalties.
- Establishing the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA), empowered to block or remove harmful online content.
- Introducing the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and the Social Media Protection Tribunal.
The amendments define stricter penalties for individuals who intentionally spread misinformation likely to cause panic or unrest. SMPRA would oversee social media platforms and handle complaints from individuals affected by fake information, issuing decisions within 24 hours.
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Government Defends Reforms
Rana Ihsaan Afzal emphasized that the misuse of social media is a widespread issue affecting countless individuals. He argued that updating Peca is essential to protect citizens from misinformation and libel.
He noted that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has struggled to address complaints effectively, necessitating the establishment of a dedicated regulatory authority. “Excessive misinformation violates people’s rights. Should we allow this violation to continue?” he questioned.
The coordinator assured that the proposed authority will develop its own terms of reference (TORs), rules, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure proper implementation.
Addressing Stakeholder Concerns
Afzal rejected claims of a hurried legislative process, stating that consultations with stakeholders were conducted in phases. He acknowledged the broad scope of misinformation but promised further refinement of the authority’s framework once established.
He also dismissed the perception that the issue is politically motivated, emphasizing the need to combat the misuse of social media advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI), which has exacerbated misinformation.
The proposed amendments aim to address structural weaknesses in handling cybercrimes while ensuring that the law serves its purpose without infringing on individual rights.
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