Pakistan recently enacted new, stricter internet censorship laws that authorities to extensively control content on social media platforms when necessary. However, these laws have led many major technology companies, including Google, Facebook and Twitter, to call for their repeal.
According to Pakistan's Citizen Protection Rules, platforms must remove any content deemed inappropriate by authorities within 24 hours. Platforms must also introduce tools to prevent live streaming of online content related to terrorism, hate speech, fake news, extremism and incitement.
In addition, the new censorship laws give authorities the ability to block any platform and fine it up to $6.9 million if it does not comply with the new laws.
In response to these new, overly strict laws, which endanger freedom of speech and expression on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Google, which belong to the Asia Internet Coalition, the companies sent a letter to the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
As the letter states, “the rules as they currently exist would make it extremely difficult for AIC members to make their services available to Pakistani users and businesses.”.
The threat of service cuts in Pakistan is aimed at putting pressure on the government to repeal the laws.
If the government does not change its mind, 70 million people in Pakistan will be forced to go without the services offered by Facebook, Google, Twitter and other tech giants.
Following backlash from companies, as well as citizens and free speech advocates, Pakistani officials said they would review censorship laws. They would also seek to adopt an “extensive and broad-based consultation process, with all relevant sections of civil society and technology.”
