Federal government begins consultations for establishment of social media regulatory authority

The federal government has begun consultations for the establishment of a social media regulatory authority.

According to sources, the proposed social media regulatory authority (PECA) Amendment Bill 2024 is to be tabled soon in the Parliament.

Media houses and other stakeholders have also been invited for consultation to establish the authority of the committee.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reportedly formed a cabinet committee on this matter whose task is to consult the social media regulatory authority and give suggestions to the government on issues related to digital rights.

The authority will ensure responsible use of the internet and compliance with regulations in addition to considering the issue of regulating online content and procedures for investigating violations of law on social media.

The issue of summoning witnesses and violators of social media laws will also be considered in the consultation.

The bill is intended to protect the private life of citizens from threats posed by social media.