Social media offences return to FIA's domain

ISLAMABAD:

The federal government has reinstated the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cybercrime Wing's authority to act against crimes committed on social media.

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has issued a notification confirming the restoration of these powers.

The cybercrime wing can now take action against social media-related offences, reversing an earlier decision to delegate these powers to the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The notification clarified that the powers had been restored on October 17.

The NCCIA had been granted authority under IT Ministry rules to tackle social media crimes, including combating fake news. However, objections by the Ministries of Interior and Law had prompted the government to withdraw the powers.

The government has announced plans to establish the NCCIA through a parliamentary act, ensuring a robust legal framework and proper authority for the new agency to combat cybercrimes. Until then, the FIA Cybercrime Wing will continue to address social media offences.

The NCCIA, established in 2023 to address social media crimes, had its operational rules revoked by the federal cabinet approximately two and a half months ago, with the government repealing the rules governing the NCCIA in October this year.

 

Amid the confusion, the interior ministry clarified that the NCCIA rules had indeed been rescinded. However, it remained uncertain whether the government plans to dissolve the authority entirely or draft new rules to redefine its role.

Earlier media reports suggested that the cabinet approved the NCCIA's rules via circulation, aiming to tighten regulations against offences like spreading fake news, harassment, and other cybercrimes. The proposed rules included harsh penalties, with convicted individuals facing imprisonment ranging from five to 10 years.

The NCCIA had been established in May, with plans for it to take over cybercrime investigations. It was expected to render the FIA's cybercrime wing redundant.