PTA decided to remove illegal content from the internet
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority(PTA) decided to remove illegal content from the internet.
Removal and Blocking of Illegal Online Content (Procedures, Surveillance and Security Measures), Case 2020 Rules
The PTA rejected the biased opinion on the rules.
According to the spokesperson, PTA assures that the rules will not harm the business environment in Pakistan in any way.
All rules were framed in accordance with the legal requirements under section (2) 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016.
A comprehensive consultative process was decided by an advisory committee set up under the direction of the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Local and international stakeholders were invited to broaden the consultation process and incorporate diverse views.
Also tweeted by PTA
Press Release: The Rules titled “The Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards), Rules 2020” have been notified by the Federal Government vide notification dated 27 November 2020. pic.twitter.com/pS4JbS0cjo
— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) December 11, 2020
The rules, entitled "Removal and Blocking of Illegal Online Content (Regulation, Surveillance and Safety Measures), Rules 2020," were notified by the Federal Government in a notification on November 27, 2020.
The Asian Internet Coalition and its members, namely Google, Facebook, etc., were invited to the consultation process.
The Advisory Committee met with the AIC on June 19, 2020.
The committee and the AIC representatives discussed the proposals put forward by the AIC on the consultative framework.
These Rules have been framed as a statutory requirement under Section 37(2) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (#PECA). pic.twitter.com/xU2G9kdNhs
— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) December 11, 2020
At AIC's request, AIC members also contacted Facebook, Google and Twitter for individual consultations.
Google and Facebook participated in the consultation process on 26 and 29 June 2020, respectively.
According to the spokesperson, AIC said that it and other stakeholders were not included in the consultation process which is wrong and untrue.
Following the proposed consultation, a final report was completed and submitted to the Federal Government, taking into account all reasonable concerns and recommendations of the stakeholders and in accordance with the Constitution of Pakistan and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016.
According to Article 19 of Pakistan, Chapter 2 of the Rules also includes freedom of expression and the right to freedom of expression.
