Law on blocking and censoring Internet content is ready in Pakistan

By Raza Ruman
The government is all set to block and censor Internet content. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has shown concern over it.
According to CPJ’s Bob Dietz, pointer to our colleagues at Bolo Bhi, Pakistan’s independent Internet freedom and electronic privacy watchdog (it’s involved in gender issues too). The watchdog has been tracking the evolution of Pakistan’s attempts at cybercrime legislation since 2007.
Movement toward passing a new law has gone in fits and starts, partly because the government is having a hard time keeping up with the rapid changes in digital technology, and partly because that’s Pakistan’s way of enacting legislation–slowly. To be fair, it’s a complex piece of legislation with weighty national security and economic implications.
“Bolo Bhi has posted what it feels is a draft version close to what is actually under consideration within the government. It has also posted its critique of the draft bill. The watchdog says Section 31 is its biggest concern. Bolo Bhi said the government has added the section so it can justify blocking and censoring powers over Internet content.
Bolo Bhi warns: “The alarm bells have been sounded. Time for you to do your bit. Don’t takLaw on blocking and censoring power over Internet content is ready in Pakistane this lightly!” You’ve been warned …” Mr Dietz says. Pak Destiny