The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has started the registration of social media companies under ‘Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules, 2021.’
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has formulated the rules under Section 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016.
According to the ministry’s notification in exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (2) of sections 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, (XL of 2016), the federal government approved the rules prescribed by the PTA.
Social Media Company having half a million users requires separate registration for each application/service. Form shall be submitted through e-mail SM_Reg@pta.gov.pk as well as through postal address. PTA may seek additional information if required. The Social Media Company shall immediately notify Authorized Compliance Officer and Grievance Officer details in case of any change, PTA added.
According to the registration forms, the social media company will be required to give the company name, type of service/application, website, the number of users in Pakistan (at the time of registration), country of origin, company authorization letter (to be attached with this form), and authorized grievance officer details.
As per the rules, a significant social media company or a service provider would be degraded, blocked, or imposed with a penalty of up to Rs. 500 million, if it fails to remove or block access to the online content or to comply with the directions.
