LAHORE – Imran Khan-led federal government on Saturday suggested making slander on social media a crime.
Two significant bills dealing to the election commission’s code of conduct and defamation on social media have been sent to the federal cabinet for approval, according to Fawad Chaudhry.
Defamation on social media will be a felony if one of the proposed legislation is implemented, he said.
Chaudhry stated that defaming another person’s dignity on any media platform will no longer be tolerated.
Non-compliant social media companies risk being blacklisted online. Companies will have 24 hours to remove “illegal” content or six hours in emergency situations, while officials proposed a three-month registration period.
Today in Karachi, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Barrister Farogh Naseem addressed the issue. He said the PECA was revised to combat fake news and hate speech on electronic and social media.
Naseem slammed media restrictions, saying the PTI government believes in ‘expression of freedom’ and the action was to combat fake news. It shall be liable to the high court judge if the trial of electronic offences is not completed within six months.
The accused charged under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act cannot be released on bond. The revised law would also target anyone who slander national institutions.
