Government Seeks 20 Billion Rupees to Regulate Social Media.

 

The Pakistani federal government aims to earmark Rs. 20 billion in the upcoming fiscal year to bolster cybersecurity efforts and impose regulations on social media platforms. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to fortify digital security measures and exert better control over online content.

To enforce effective oversight, only social media firms with a physical presence in Pakistan will be permitted to function within its borders. This stipulation is intended to enhance monitoring and hold social media platforms accountable for their activities.

The Ministry of IT & Telecom has petitioned for the allocation of Rs. 20 billion for the Digital Information Infrastructure Initiative (DIII) in the 2024-25 budget. The initiative seeks to reinforce the nation's digital framework and refine the management of online data.

Previously, the IT Ministry received Rs. 15 billion for the DIII project in the current fiscal year. The total estimated cost of the DIII project stands at approximately $135 million, equivalent to around Rs. 38 billion. This significant investment underscores the government's dedication to cultivating a resilient digital infrastructure.

The primary objective of this funding is to oversee social media platforms, thwart misuse, and counteract malicious activities. These endeavors will be conducted by the guidelines outlined in the Pakistan Electronic Crime Act (PECA) 2016, which addresses various cybercrimes to ensure a safer online environment for Pakistani citizens.

The newly allocated funds will be utilized to augment existing cybersecurity measures and devise fresh strategies to mitigate cyber threats. This entails deploying advanced technologies and providing training to personnel for more adept handling of cyber incidents.

Through the regulation of social media entities and the mandate for local offices, the government anticipates heightened transparency and adherence to Pakistani laws and regulations. This measure is also poised to generate employment opportunities domestically, as social media firms will need to recruit local talent for their operations.