In Pakistan, Social Media is Now Under Strict Control, With Violators Facing Jail Time!

The lower house of the Pakistani Parliament has passed a controversial law granting the government comprehensive control over social media and stipulating jail time for users who “spread misinformation.”

Journalist and editor unions have criticized the new “Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act,” arguing that it’s a result of the government’s attempts to further suppress opposition speech.

Under the new law, a “Social Media Protection and Regulation Authority” will be established, with the power to immediately block content on social media deemed “unlawful and offensive,” such as criticism of judges, the armed forces, Parliament, or local authorities. Individuals and organizations that publish such content may also be blocked from accessing social media.

Under the new law, social media platforms must register with this new “social media protection and regulation authority,” and those that do not comply will be banned.

The law declares the “spreading of misinformation” a criminal offense, punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of two million rupees (6,870 euros).

Pakistani media has been under increasing censorship in recent years, and the social media platform X has been banned for a year due to the opposition gaining significant support there.