Subcommittee of Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication met at Parliament House to review in detail the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bil, 2016 passed by the national assembly. The committee called public hearing and invited all the stalk holders including internet service providers, journalists, civil society members and digital media companies. Earlier senate received a public petition against the bill calling it against the spirit of freedom of expression and information sharing.
The chairman subcommittee senator Osman Saifullah said in his opening remarks that aim of the committee is to hear and address the concerns of all stake holders before the bill is passed by the Upper House.
The CEO of Nayatel expressed his concerns over the section (18) of the bill that calls for punitive measures to be taken against anyone involved in the defamation of a person on internet especially social media. He said that the article is vaguely written and could easily be misinterpreted for the sake of one’s own interest. Moreover, the article also restricts the freedom of expression which is unique feature of social media. He said the authority could target hi/hers political opponents on the basis of this bill in the name of defamation.
Similarly, members of journalist community raised their concerns regarding the section (21) of the bill that deals with the cyber stalking. The journalists were of the view that now a days a common source of information for journalist is hacking. One such example is Panama leaks. However, these journalistic practices are for public good which will be affected under this law.
Senator Farhatullah Babar and Senator Shibli Faraz expressed their concerns over the section (28) of the bill that deals with expedited preservation and acquisition of datain case of complaint against the person. Senator Farhat ullah Babar while expressing his concerns said that the billauthorizes investigation officer to acquire data from the accused without acquiring any permission from the judiciary. In additions to this, no protection is given to the accused person to ensure that the data acquired from him will not be used for other purposes.
The committee asked the stake holders to present the amendments by tomorrow so that committee could finalize its recommendations and present it before the august house.
The committee was attended by senator Farhat ullah Babar, Senator Shibli Fraz, Senator Mohsin Laghari along with the officials of informational technology, FIA and PTA.