The government is seeking 20 billion rupees to oversee social media.
The Pakistan federal government intends to earmark Rs. 20 billion in the upcoming fiscal year to bolster cybersecurity and oversee social media platforms. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy aimed at fortifying digital security and streamlining online content management.
In order to ensure effective oversight, only social media firms with established offices in Pakistan will be permitted to operate within the country. This prerequisite is geared towards enhancing supervision and accountability of social media entities.
The Ministry of IT & Telecom has sought this Rs. 20 billion allocation for the Digital Information Infrastructure Initiative (DIII) within the 2024-25 budget. The initiative is crafted to reinforce the nation’s digital framework and refine the administration of online data.
In the current fiscal year, the IT Ministry was granted Rs. 15 billion for the DIII project. The overall expenditure for the DIII project is estimated at $135 million, roughly equivalent to Rs. 38 billion. This substantial investment underscores the government’s dedication to nurturing a resilient digital infrastructure.
The primary objective of this funding is to regulate social media platforms, curb misuse, and counteract malicious activities. These endeavors will be conducted in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Pakistan Electronic Crime Act (PECA) of 2016, which addresses various cybercrimes and aims to ensure a safer online environment for Pakistani citizens.
The newly allocated funds will be utilized to bolster existing cybersecurity measures and devise fresh strategies to fend off cyber threats. This encompasses the implementation of advanced technologies and the training of personnel to proficiently manage cyber incidents.
Through the regulation of social media firms and the requirement for local offices, the government aims to augment transparency and ensure compliance with Pakistani laws and regulations. Additionally, this move is anticipated to generate employment opportunities domestically, as social media companies will need to recruit local talent for their operations.