Another set of rules and regulations have been laid down by the government in its relentless campaign to control content on social media. In the form of ‘Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules, 2021,’ the government has given the controversial Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) more powers and it can now block any website or platform on the orders of court, the federal government or under any law.
Under the new rules, not just social media companies but even service providers will have to maintain strict observance of the content being posted, and are barred to ‘host, display, upload, publish, transmit, update or share any online content in violation of local laws.’ They have to ensure that “glory of Islam” and the “security of Pakistan” are not compromised, while restricting fake news that threatens “decency and morality” from being shared. If found guilty, the PTA has the impunity to block the platform or impose fine of up to Rs500 million.
Social media platforms are changing the way the world works today. As seen recently, during the Afghanistan imbroglio that unfolded two months ago, online platforms have been at the center of discussion as world leaders used them to put forth policy decisions. It is then unsure why the state of this country has laid down rules that will only result in distancing tech giants and making them lose interest in the Pakistani market that has the potential to attract billion in investment.
On the other hand, the understanding of ‘glory of Islam’, ‘security of Pakistan’ or ‘decency and morality’ is different for different people. What one society may consider as immoral, may not be for another. Why would then the Ministry of Information Technology use such broad terms to stipulate the new rules that will advertently give the PTA the impunity to crack down on freedom of speech. It is no secret that the state has been trying to silence the voices of dissent in the country. The new rules are just another of its tool to control media houses and journalists who use social media platforms, such as, YouTube, to criticize the powers that be. But the government must be reminded that the EU has not given Pakistan the blanket extension to its GSP+ status, which is contingent on respect of human rights. Its reputation of intolerance will only prove to be costly. Common sense must prevail.