The government has quietly introduced new rules to control social media and the federal cabinet has also approved social media laws.
According to sources, the federal cabinet has amended social media rules, which do not need to be approved by Parliament. Senior officials of the Ministry of Information Technology (IT) have confirmed the approval of the draft law.
Sources said that according to the new rules, registration of all global social media platforms has been made compulsory in Pakistan. And they must complete the registration process within 3 months.
Under the new rules, it is mandatory for all social media companies to set up their office in Islamabad within three months, while they have also been conditioned to appoint a liaison officer in Pakistan. Under these rules, it is mandatory for local platforms to be registered on YouTube, including YouTube.
All companies have to create their own data server in Pakistan
According to sources, all social media platforms and companies will have to build their own data servers in Pakistan within a year. Sources say the move will bring action against national institutions and those who speak out against domestic security. It has also been decided to form the National Coordination Authority to regulate social media companies. This authority will be able to close the account on harassment, targeting agencies and prohibiting content.
Failure to follow the rules will result in a fine of up to Rs. 50 crore
