Pakistan

14 ways to avoid jail-time once the cyber crime bill gets approved

The news that the bill was cleared by the committee was not received with equanimity by the public

News Desk July 28, 2016

The news that the bill was cleared by the Senate committee was not received with equanimity by the public, who took to Twitter to voice their concerns about it PHOTO: REUTERS

The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill 2016 is said to be aimed at curbing cyber crimes, but many believe the bill to be draconian and an attempt to curb freedom of expression.

A Senate committee on Tuesday recommended certain amendments to the bill, which will now be tabled in the Senate for consideration. Once approved, it will be sent to the National Assembly again for amendments to be discussed and approved.

Senate panel clears cybercrime law

This is how the bill stands now:

Cybercrime bill: Call for protection of freedom of expression

The news that the bill was cleared by the committee was not received with equanimity by the public, who took to Twitter to voice their concerns about it.

Here's how some Pakistanis reacted to the bill:

If govt fails to deliver, its ok. But if you point out their mistakes and corruptions, then it makes them itchy. #WeRejectCyberBill
— Yasir Amin (@Ri_say) July 27, 2016

To learn who rules over you,simply find out who you are not allowed to criticize.#werejectcyberbill
— Salman Khan (@Ohh_BOY_) July 27, 2016

All tweets must be approved by Maryam Nawaz with a Sherrrr stamp before they are posted. #CyberCrimeBill
— Svengali (@Ronin212) July 26, 2016

Does the #CyberCrimeBill allow us to talk about the #CyberCrimebill?
— Rehan Ulhaq (@Rehan_ulhaq) July 26, 2016

https://twitter.com/mirza9/status/757935574930120704

Can't save people from being brutally murdered but will definitely silence them from voicing their opinions online. #WeRejectCyberBill
— - (@AlwaysShouts) July 26, 2016

What is democracy if people are not allowed to voice out their opinions. This is dictatorship !!!!!
#WeRejectCyberBill
— Rabia Muddasar (@RabiaMuddasar) July 27, 2016

This is going to complicate a lot of things

"Dear sir/madam. I’m sending you this email to seek your permission to send you the actual email."#WeRejectCyberBill
— Rabia Akhtar (@Rabs_AA) April 16, 2016

You can now legally enjoy your right to be silent

#CyberCrimeBill gives full freedom to Pakistanis to exercise their right of being silent.
— Salman Sikandar (@SALSIKandar) July 26, 2016

The perfect way for PPP to win the next elections

If PPP kills the #CyberCrimeBill, I am voting for them.#TweetsBeforeTheCyberCrimeBill
— Rehan Ulhaq (@Rehan_ulhaq) July 26, 2016

If this were true, a lot of people may end up punished. Thankfully, it’s not.

Incorrect use of there/their, lose/loose & then/than will have a penalty of 200 lashes & 5 years imprisonment. #CyberCrimeBill
— AZ (@azkhawaja) July 26, 2016