ISLAMABAD As part of preliminary changes to the cybercrime law, the federal government has suggested a five-year jail sentence or a Rs1 million fine for those found guilty of purposefully disseminating false information, according to a report by Geo News on Tuesday.
The creation of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) with broad authority to restrict or remove online content judged detrimental to public safety or state interests is one of the major amendments the proposal makes to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (PECA).
The proposal states that there could be harsh consequences for using online platforms to disseminate misleading information, incite fear, or disturb the calm.
The draft states, “Individuals found guilty of such offences may face both imprisonment and fines,” alluding to those who incite disorder and instill terror.
