Controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act explained in 300 words

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) cyber crime wing booked singer Meesha Shafi and eight others on Monday for their alleged involvement in a smear campaign against singer-actor Ali Zafar under section 20 (1) of Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA).

Why was the law enacted?

After the attack on the Army Public School in 2014, the then Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government campaigned for the law as a flagship element of its anti-terrorism agenda known as the National Action Plan to clamp down on militiant activities. In light of the rising usage of digital media, the law  also sought to create and implement a suitable legal framework to protect the ‘digital rights’ of individuals.

What does the law state?

There is up to a five-year jail term and millions in fines for hate speech, or trying to create disputes and spread hatred on the basis of religion or sectarianism.

Why is it so controversial?

PECA has faced a lot of criticism for violating the fundamental right of freedom of speech. 

According to critics, the law criminalises activities such as sending text messages without the receiver’s consent or criticising government actions on social media.

Online criticism of religion, the country, its courts, and the armed forces are among subjects which invoke official intervention under the law.

So far, cases have been registered under the law against journalists, bloggers and influencers on Twitter.