Digital Rights Forum warns of threat to free speech under PECA (Amendment) Act, 2025

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 28 January 2025 |  Media Release

The Forum for Digital Rights and Democracy raises concerns about the PECA Amendment Act, 2025, which undermines free speech. They urge the government to repeal the law and foster genuine stakeholder consultation.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—The Forum for Digital Rights and Democracy (FDRD) has expressed serious concerns over the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, passed without meaningful consultation with stakeholders. In a statement, the FDRD called on the government to reconsider the Act, citing its potential to undermine fundamental rights and democratic principles.

Muhammad Aftab Alam, the Convener of FDRD, highlighted that the Forum was established in late 2024 following nationwide consultations on digital platform governance, organized by the Institute for Research, Advocacy, and Development (IRADA). Comprising representatives from civil society, academia, journalism, private companies, and rights organizations, the Forum advocates for policies that uphold freedom of expression, press freedom, and digital rights.

According to Alam, the amendment was enacted without debate or stakeholder input, reflecting an undemocratic process that disregards transparency, inclusivity, and accountability. "This lack of consultation undermines the law’s legitimacy and threatens free speech, dissent, and democratic values," he stated.

The FDRD also raised concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of the Federal Government. It criticized the government’s authority to appoint members of the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority, the Social Media Complaint Council, and the Social Media Protection Tribunal. The Forum recommended parliamentary oversight and involvement of civil society in these appointments to ensure impartiality.

Alam emphasized that the inclusion of vague terms like “aspersions” and the expanded definition of “complainant” pose significant risks, enabling misuse and suppression of legitimate speech. He urged clearer definitions and safeguards to prevent the law from being weaponized against critics.

The Forum warned that the law’s provisions, including criminal penalties for defamation, discourage free expression and foster self-censorship, particularly among journalists and activists. It noted that many countries are moving toward civil remedies instead of criminal defamation to balance accountability with free speech.

FDRD called on the government to repeal the Amendment Act, initiate a transparent consultation process, and adopt balanced measures for digital governance that respect fundamental rights.