Pakistan Bolsters Cybercrime Law to Combat Fake News and Digital Threats
PESHAWAR, Pakistan – The recently amended Prevention of Electronic Cybercrimes Act (PECA) 2025 has garnered significant support in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with legal and political experts hailing it as a critical step towards curbing the proliferation of fake news on social media and effectively addressing cybercrimes through legal channels. The amendments, recently signed into law by the President of Pakistan, aim to regulate the digital landscape, combat the spread of online misinformation, and strengthen the country’s cybersecurity framework.
Experts in the province have lauded the revisions to the law, emphasizing its importance in tackling the escalating issue of misinformation and the dissemination of fake news across various social media platforms. Malik Ashfaq, a senior lawyer and member of the Nowshera District Bar, highlighted that similar laws are already in place in numerous democratic countries to counter the unchecked rise of false information in the midst of the digital media revolution. He emphasized that the law is not intended to stifle freedom of expression or target journalists and social media activists, but rather to control the spread of false information and cybercrimes while holding perpetrators accountable. Prior to these amendments, individuals involved in cybercrimes or spreading fake news often evaded punishment due to the lack of robust legal frameworks in Pakistan. Under the amended PECA law, those found guilty of spreading fake news now face potential penalties of up to three years in prison and fines of up to Rs 2 million.
The amended legislation establishes the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA), an entity tasked with monitoring social and digital media platforms. The SMPRA is empowered to remove posts, block platforms, and take action against those who fail to comply with regulations related to combating fake news. The authority comprises eight members, including the heads of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the federal interior secretary, and five other members.
Complementing the SMPRA, the law also mandates the creation of a Social Media Complaints Council (SMCC) to address citizen complaints regarding fake news, and a Social Media Protection Tribunal (SMPT) to handle issues of non-compliance with SMPRA directives. These bodies provide avenues for redress and ensure that the regulations are enforced effectively. Furthermore, the establishment of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) is planned, which is likely to replace the Cybercrimes Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The NCCIA will be responsible for investigating fake news complaints under the new law.
The federal government retains the authority to define what constitutes “fake news” and to determine which posts, particularly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, are deemed derogatory or in violation of the law. This provision allows for flexibility in responding to evolving online threats and maintaining a balance between freedom of expression and the need to curb harmful content.
Ikhtair Wali, a spokesperson for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stressed the necessity of the PECA law, citing the increasing trend of unregulated posts and videos being shared on social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. With digitalization permeating every facet of society, he argued that regulations are crucial for ensuring a safe and secure environment for citizens, while simultaneously safeguarding privacy and individual rights. Wali also emphasized the law’s potential to prevent the spread of harmful, exploitative, and defamatory content, particularly targeting women and children, and to ensure that those involved in unlawful online activities are held accountable.
The amended PECA law extends its protective reach to the realm of online business and finance. As businesses increasingly transition to digital platforms, Wali noted that the new law will help safeguard online banking and business transactions from cybercriminals, thereby bolstering the overall security of the digital economy. This protection is vital for fostering trust in online commerce and ensuring the continued growth of Pakistan’s digital economy.
Legal and political experts concur that the PECA amendments represent a necessary measure by the government, not only to curb cybercrimes but also to protect the rights of citizens in an increasingly digital world. The comprehensive approach of the law, encompassing regulatory bodies, investigative agencies, and legal frameworks, aims to create a more secure and accountable online environment for all Pakistanis. The government’s commitment to refining its cybercrime legislation demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the evolving challenges of the digital age.