Govt Plans to Control Content on Websites, YouTube Channels
Federal govt has decided to register websites, and YouTube channels to tighten monitoring of digital media
LAHORE MIRROR — The federal government has planned to register websites, and YouTube channels to tighten the monitoring of online content and digital media.
According to the sources, Prime Minister (PM) Shahbaz Sharif chaired a federal cabinet meeting and approved a new bill called the E-Safety Authority Bill, proposed by Ministry of IT. The sources also revealed that this bill aims to control online content and a new authority will be created specifically for this purpose, limiting the powers of existing organisations like PTA, FIA, and PEMRA.
Under this bill, all websites, web channels, and YouTube channels will be required to register with the new E-Safety Authority. The authority will be responsible for monitoring these online platforms and ensuring they comply with regulations. It will also have the power to register and monitor news websites, channels, and newspapers.
“If any website or channel is found spreading false news, the E-Safety Authority will have the ability to block and fine them. The bill states that the current laws and rules related to online monitoring are not sufficient, so a new authority is necessary,” the sources revealed.
The E-Safety Authority will also handle the registration of online news websites, taking away some powers from PEMRA. Additionally, it will have the authority to decide which registered platforms can receive government advertisements based on whether they align with government policies.
Earlier in 2020, the government also passed a new set of regulations that critics say will give the government more control over how Pakistanis can use social media. The “Citizens Protection (Against Online Harm) Rules, 2020” oblige social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Google to block or remove posts that are considered objectionable by the government. The government can also acquire data and information from the companies.
Officials maintained that the regulations would help them monitor and mitigate online content that has to do with “terrorism, extremism, hate speech, fake news, incitement to violence and national security.”
Social media companies would also be required to set up a physical presence in the country and appoint a contact person who will report to a “National Coordinator” at Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Telecommunications. The laws were reportedly approved by the government without public consultation and enacted behind closed doors at the end of January.
