The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has clarified that it does not retrieve user data from social media platforms for criminal investigations. In a detailed response to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, the PTA stated that its role under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA) is limited to the removal and blocking of unlawful online content.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has clarified that it does not retrieve user data from social media platforms for criminal investigations.

In a detailed response to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, the PTA stated that its role under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA) is limited to the removal and blocking of unlawful online content.

It said that the responsibility for obtaining data for investigations rests with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), as defined in Section 29 of the law.

The authority emphasized that it does not coordinate with platforms such as Meta’s Facebook and Instagram or YouTube when it comes to providing user data for investigations. According to the PTA, these arrangements are handled by the NCCIA in collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies.

On the issue of social media companies establishing offices in Pakistan, the PTA said it had approached major platforms to register under the Social Media Rules of 2021. However, it noted that these companies have not set up local offices due to concerns about potential criminal liability for employees, a lack of regulatory clarity, and broader business considerations. The PTA added that it remains in contact with these platforms, but no positive responses have been received so far.

The briefing also addressed a separate matter involving the removal of a tweet by Pakistan’s Defence Minister on the platform X related to Israel. The PTA said it has not received any complaint requesting the restoration of the deleted tweet and has not taken any action. It added that it will proceed in accordance with legal procedures if an official complaint is filed.

The PTA’s response also referenced recent amendments to PECA. These include provisions to criminalize the spread of false information. Under Section 26A of the updated law, offenders can face up to three years in prison and a fine of PKR 2 million.

The amendments also propose the creation of the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA), which would regulate social media platforms, oversee content moderation, and ensure compliance with the law. Specialized tribunals are also planned to handle appeals and enforce the new regulations.

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