Journalists, rights activists warn of increasing online censorship in the Islamic republic
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Journalists and human rights activists are warning of increasing online censorship as Pakistan's government unveils new regulations for social media companies.
Under the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules, 2021, notified last week, negative content related to any person will not be uploaded, while social media companies will have to abide by Pakistani laws, establish an office in the Islamic republic and will be given 48 hours to remove or block access to online content.
Last year tech companies had threatened to discontinue their services in Pakistan if the rules were not amended, saying the regulations would make it difficult for them to continue their operations.
The Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan strongly condemned the amended social media rules.
“We believe that the government has done literally nothing to reassure the protesting journalists and has refused to consider the concerns repeatedly highlighted by media bodies. This uncompromising attitude of the government is a reflection of the mindset that refuses to allow fair criticism and is adamant on controlling the flow of information in a country already fighting tough battles against extremism, economic insecurity and the constant threat to democracy,” it stated in a press release.
“The real affectees of the draconian new rules will be journalism platforms...
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