The Asia Internet Coalition concerned over Pakistan’s removal and blocking of unlawful content rules.
Asia Internet Coalition (AIC) has publicly voiced its alarm over of Pakistan’s new law targeting internet companies, as well as the government’s opaque process by which these rules were developed.
The Coalition represents companies like tech companies like Apple, Twitter, Google, SAP, Amazon, Cloudfare, LinkedIn and others.
AIC members said it was alarmed by the scope of Pakistan’s new law targeting internet companies, as well as the government’s opaque process by which these rules were developed. The consultation that was announced in February never occurred.
The draconian data localisation requirements will damage the ability of people to access a free and open internet and shut Pakistan’s digital economy off from the rest of the world.
“It’s chilling to see the PTA’s powers expanded, allowing them to force social media companies to violate established human rights norms on privacy and freedom of expression,” stated the AIC.
The Rules would make it extremely difficult for AIC Members to make their services available to Pakistani users and businesses.
“If Pakistan wants to be an attractive destination for technology investment and realise its goal of digital transformation, we urge the Government to work with industry on practical, clear rules that protect the benefits of the internet and keep people safe from harm,” noted the AIC.
In April 2020, AIC submitted recommendations on Pakistan Personal Data Protection Bill that was published on 9 April 2020 (the Draft Bill).
At the time the AIC said the protection of personal data is an important component of any privacy framework and we appreciate the opportunity to provide additional feedback on the Draft Bill.
“We recognise the on-going efforts of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications (“MOITT”) in further fine-tuning the draft legislation since its initial release in July 2018, so as to work towards implementing a comprehensive framework for the protection of personal data in Pakistan,” stated the AIC.
However, in its current form, this draft presents significant interoperability issues and falls short of international best practices. It will adversely impact Pakistan’s digital ambitions and make it difficult for foreign companies to operate and offer services to Pakistani businesses and users.
“We encourage MOITT to make a revised version of the Bill available for further public consultation so that we can provide additional recommendations based on international best practices,” said the AIC. “The AIC and its members have worked closely with governments around the world in relation to the development of national personal data protection policies and legislation.
In doing so, we have witnessed first-hand the potential for such policies and legislation to effectively protect the privacy interests of citizens without hindering innovation and technological advancement. We therefore request the opportunity to engage in further consultations with MOITT based on an improved Draft Bill,” it stated at the time.
