Cyber protection and hate speech

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan’s recent claims about new cybercrime legislation entering the cyberspace of Pakistan are filling a gap that has been void for some time and ergo, receive our approbation. It is reassuring that the government and the Ministry of Interior is monitoring the cyber arena for hate mongering as the platform is vulnerable to perpetuating violence and prejudice with nothing protecting victims but a computer monitor. Technical support by the British government is welcome, though ironic because some of the divisive rhetoric existing in Pakistan is derived from our colonial masters. We must now be open-minded by welcoming the help. Pakistan is also not in a position to be choosy considering its increasing rates of cybercrime, as reported by the Federal Investigation Agency. In fact, the cyber platform is useful for the government to quantify just how much hate speech exists out there and which groups are targeted. While there is a lot of hate speech off the virtual platforms, the Internet is a good starting point to begin reflection on the mental ailment of society that has made hate speech acceptable.

Along with banning sectarian hate rhetoric, salient features of the Cybercrime Bill include protecting users’ rights to data ownership and privacy as well as protection for children. However, some aspects of the proposed laws need to be clarified as they have the potential to impinge on citizens’ rights. Similarly, the powers granted to investigating officers must not be misused and some protection should be granted to persons under investigation. It is hoped that such monitors on cyberspace will also be applied to data sharing between companies, such as consumer email addresses, that are acquired by marketing firms without permission from customers and without options to “unsubscribe”. For now just the aspect of outlawing hate material is imperative for Pakistan but implementation will be key and it will take more than just a spiffy website by the National Response Centre for Cyber Crime.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 17^th, 2016.

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