Activists say new social media rules draconian breach of privacy

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published November 23, 2020

Pakistan has enforced rules tightening control of social media, which could allow authorities to access users’ data, in a move activists denounced as a “draconian breach of privacy.”

A set of rules that came into force last week requires technology giants like Facebook and Twitter to open offices in Pakistan and store around 50 million users’ data on local servers, which authorities could then access anytime, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said on Friday.

If the companies don’t comply, they are de facto banned in Pakistan.

The rules, framed under a 2016 law, also allow the PTA to force social media companies and Internet service providers to remove any material deemed blasphemous or derogatory to the state, its institutions and officials.

The government first introduced tighter rules in February but had to retract them after a backlash by the Asian Internet Coalition (AIC), an umbrella organization for technology giants.

The AIC has again threatened to pull out of the multimillion-dollar digital market in Pakistan if the government goes ahead with the plan, according to a report by Dawn newspaper.

Digital rights activist Haroon Baloch said the rules undermine privacy, adding that his organization, Bytes for All, planned to file a court petition.

“Draconian data localisation requirements will damage the ability of people to access a free and open Internet,” said Nighat Dad, another activist.

Censorship has increased in Pakistan since the military-backed government of Prime Minister Imran Khan took over after controversial elections in 2018.—dpa

Even a win can't hide Pakistan's structural collapse in cricket

 June 11, 2025:  Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.

Journalists stage walkout at post-budget briefing over government's dismissive attitude

 June 11, 2025:  Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.

Legal storm brews as Dr. Nauman Niaz serves defamation notice on Shoaib Akhtar

 May 31, 2025:  Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.

HRCP urges complete repeal of PECA, citing threats to free speech and civil liberties

 May 30, 2025:  The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.

PFUJ condemns murder of journalist Syed Mohammad Shah, urges immediate justice

 May 30, 2025:  The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.

State within a state? Police block reinstated Jang employees from resuming duties

 May 26, 2025:  In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.

PFUJ slams Jang Group's 'economic massacre' after mass firing of over 80 workers

 May 25, 2025:  PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.

Labor rights trampled: Daily Jang defies court, terminates over 80 employees

 May 25, 2025:  Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.