A government senator has introduced a major amendment to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, aiming to tighten regulations on social media platforms and service providers.

The new bill seeks to end the legal protection that currently shields internet companies from action if they fail to remove or block objectionable content on social media.

Amendment bill submitted to Senate

PML-N Senator Anusha Rehman tabled the Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Senate, marking what officials describe as a critical step to make Pakistan’s online space safer.

The proposed amendment specifically targets Section 38 of PECA, which currently protects service providers from direct legal liability. Under the new clause, this protection will end if companies fail to comply with removal orders issued by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) or other relevant institutions. The proposal aims to make it binding on service providers to block objectionable content in all cases.

Service providers to face direct action

According to the draft, service providers, including internet, mobile, telephone, web, payment, and data storage or processing companies, will be legally bound to remove or block objectionable content upon instruction.

Failure to comply will invite direct legal action not only against the companies but also against individual officers found responsible for violations.

Making social media safer

The government says the move is part of broader efforts to curb harmful, illegal, and objectionable material online. Officials argue that the amendment will hold platforms accountable while also tightening the noose around users who upload such content.