The federal government announced on Thursday that it will take action against any individual posting “immoral content” on social media platforms.
This action will be taken under the Social Media Rules 2021 issued by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.
Federal Minister for Information and Technology Amin-ul-Haq has said the amended rules would give Pakistani consumers “full freedom of expression” under Article 19 of the Constitution, however, the promotion of “immoral and obscene” material would be considered a felony.
The minister said that the amended rules will “act as an important bridge between Pakistani users and social media institutions.”
Live streaming of extremist, terrorist, hateful, obscene, and violent content, will now be banned under these new rules Haq said.
Social media outlets would also be required to remove content that violates Pakistan’s “dignity and security”.
New rules direct social media companies to ensure the following in three months of them coming into force:
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Register themselves with the Pakistan Telecommunication (PTA);
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Appoint an authorised compliance officer, based in Pakistan, for ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Act;
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Appoint a dedicated grievance officer based in Pakistan for the redressal of grievances received by him against online content.
