The new rules commanded all social media firms including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok to register within 3 months and establish their offices in Pakistan. Also, the social media companies will have to build a data server in Pakistan within one year and block any account or content that “violates or affects the religious, cultural, ethnic or national security sensitivities of Pakistan” and is “involved in spreading of fake news or defamation”. AIC told that the lack of transparency conflicts with the PM Imran’s February statement that asked the consultation committee to “undertake extensive and broad-based consultation” with all related stakeholders. The coalition and its members are showing keen interest to make Pakistan realize its digital economy ambitions. According to the coalition, Though, the process calls into question the incumbent government’s commitment to public-private dialogue that is required to realize Pakistan’s digital policy goals. The lack of transparency is also causing international firms to re-evaluate their opinion of the regulatory environment in Pakistan, along with their willingness to operate in the country. Keeping that in mind, a spokesperson of AIC said, Check out? PTA Issues New Rules For the Regulation of Social Media
