PTI govt formulates law to keep a check on social media

YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Tik Tok will be required to establish their offices in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: In order to protect the citizens from online frauds, the federal government has formulated a law to control the social media companies according to which they are required to register within three months.

The law requires all social media companies including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Tik Tok to establish their offices in Islamabad and appoint a local Pakistani focal person there.

For the protection of data of Pakistanis, the social media companies will have to create a data server in Pakistan within a year.

These companies will be required to block the prohibited content, including videos, on the receipt of complaints.

If the companies do not comply with the rules within three months, the authority concerned will be allowed to remove the content. Meanwhile, a fine of up to Rs500 million will also be imposed on them in case of violation.

A body by the name of National Coordination Authority (NCA) will be established to which all social media companies will be answerable.

The action of the NCA could be challenged in the high court within 30 days.

The law enforcement agencies will have access to those who upload blasphemous or objectionable content or any such material which is against the national institutions.

Anyone who uploads content against Pakistan or the state institutions from abroad will also be taken to task.

If the objectionable content is not removed, the NCA will be authorised to block access of the responsible online companies to Pakistan.

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