Citizen protection committee, Facebook agree on transparency of rules

The Consultation Committee on Citizens Protection (Against Online Harm) Rules 2020 and Facebook representatives had agreed on the need for continued engagement and complete transparency in formulation of rules.

The committee held a meeting with the social networking site via video conference in continuation of the ongoing consultation process over Citizens Protection (Against Online Harm) Rules, 2020, reads a press release.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held with Facebook representatives on their perspective on the provisions of the rules. The body apprised that formulation of rules is a statutory requirement under the Section 37 of Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (PECA).

“It also was emphasised that citizens in Pakistan enjoy complete freedom of expression over internet as enshrined in the Constitution,” according to the statement.

The committee also stressed that sustained communication, better understanding of local context and societal values, greater transparency with respect to community standards and content moderation policies and mechanisms by the social networking site to protect citizens against online harm.