AIC Expresses Deep Concern Over E-Safety Authority Bill

By: Omed Hajjana

Islamabad: Global leading International internet companies body Asia Internet Coalition (AIC) has expressed deep concerns over E-Safety Authority Bill and calls for involving multi-stakeholders while framing legislation.

It wrote a letter to Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Shahbaz Sharif, expressed deep concern over the Personal Data Protection Bill(PDPB), E-Safety Authority Bill and upcoming amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure. Oversight and Safeguards) Rules (RBUOC).

The letter says that this E-Safety Authority Bill and their proposed amendments will prove an obstacle for international investment and digital economy in Pakistan.

This has resulted in shaking inventor trust in Pakistan causing uncertain situation.
It also warned that speedy legislations in Pakistan had led to the international companies to evaluate whether they should operate in the country or not.Wateen Pakistan, Huawei to upgrade Data Network

AIC said that it strongly believed in involving stakeholders in conduct dialogue while framing policies and legislation to bring innovation and technology advancement in the country.
It warned that the recent legislation would adversaly affect the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy.

It said that current legislation was against the Pakistan’s claims that it had opened the country for business and investment.
“The recent legislation will made the AIC members unable to continue service available to the Pakistani users,” AIC said in a letter.

It said that concerned ministries in Pakistan like Minister for Law, IT minister an foreign assistant and special assistant to the Prime Minister had left them in deep alarmed situation”, the letter written to PM added.

It says that despite promises of forward-looking governance and a willingness to address stakeholders’ concerns, the actual consultation process has proven neither credible nor transparent.

To fulfill the vision of PM regarding betterment of internet companies and digitalization and to ensure that Pakistan becomes a lucrative destination for technology investment and achieve its digital transformation objectives.

AIC has stressed on the government to consult with the industry to formulate transparnte regulations.

In a letter, the AIC said it was not against regulation.

However, it urged to address the issues which are rights to privacy and invidual express.

These issues are recoginzed internationally and must be addressed.