Executive Summary
The Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025 proposes significant changes to Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016. Its main purpose is to establish a Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority responsible for regulating social media platforms, addressing unlawful or offensive online content, and protecting users from online harm. The bill introduces mechanisms for platform enlistment, content removal or blocking, complaint handling, and regulation of social media services. It also provides for a Social Media Protection Tribunal and a Social Media Complaint Council to deal with disputes and complaints. Overall, the proposed amendments seek to strengthen Pakistan’s institutional framework for regulating online content and improving digital safety, while giving authorities broader powers over social media platforms.
