Pakistan’s lower house of parliament passed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act on Wednesday, which requires social media platforms to register with the Media Protection and Regulatory Authority if they want to operate in the country.
Through the same act, the Media Protection and Regulatory Authority has the power to permanently or temporarily block social media platforms if they fail to comply with Pakistani laws. Spreading false information and defamation can be punishable by up to 3 years in prison or a fine of PKR 2 million (RM 32,000).
Among the categories of content that fall under the category of content that is not allowed in Pakistan under this act are criticism of judges, the armed forces, members of parliament, and members of the state assembly. Individuals and organizations that make such posts can be blocked from using social media platforms.