The federal government has shared the draft Cybercrime Amendment Bill with relevant ministries for review, paving the way for eventual approval by the federal cabinet, official sources revealed to a local news outlet.
As part of the review process, the draft will undergo consultations with stakeholders, including the Ministry of IT and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, to gather feedback. Following these consultations, the bill will be finalized and submitted to the federal cabinet for approval before being tabled in parliament for further deliberation.
Key Provisions in the Proposed Bill
A significant focus of the proposed amendments is on curbing the spread of fake news. The draft introduces strict penalties for individuals found guilty of disseminating false information, including:
- Prison sentence: Up to five years.
- Monetary fine: Up to Rs. 1 million.
The government argues that these measures are necessary to address the increasing problem of misinformation and its impact on public order and trust.
Stakeholder Feedback and Further Amendments
The draft, developed collaboratively by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Law, is still subject to changes based on input from stakeholders. Officials indicated that additional amendments could be made during the consultation phase to ensure the legislation addresses evolving challenges in the cyber landscape.
The government views the Cybercrime Amendment Bill as a step forward in strengthening laws against the misuse of digital platforms, particularly regarding fake news. Critics and advocacy groups are expected to weigh in as the draft moves closer to parliamentary debate.
Further updates on the progress of the bill and its reception among stakeholders are anticipated as the review process continues.
