Thread by @mmfd_Pak

Citizens’ Protection (against online harm) Rules 2020 appear to be a continuation of the governments’ successive attempts to “tame” media and the Internet,& are a direct threat to Pakistan’s digital economy and the citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and privacy 🧵
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Section 4(2) of Rules holds “the interpretation or permissibility of any online content, by the Authority or National Coordinator” supreme - demonstrating the attempt to centralise control of the digital eco system which is anti-democratic & threatens the democratic progress
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The responsibilities of Social Media Companies as defined in the Rules are impractical and non-responsive to the realities of the global digital media market. It is highly unlikely that any of the social media giants, would agree to comply with these rules.
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Asking Social Media Companies to provide all kinds of user information or data in a decrypted format, including private data shared through WhatsApp, demonstrate that the government is not concerned with the potential violations of citizens' fundamental right to privacy.
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Section (6) of the Rules, also shows that the government is attempting to sidestep the due procedure of the law, that define mechanisms for gaining access to data of anyone being investigated for a charge under PECA.
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We are concerned that the government continues to draft policies that directly threaten citizens fundamental right of privacy, while keeping actual protection mechanisms like strong data protection regulation at the back burner.
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Threatening Social Media Companies with potential blocking demonstrate the extent of harm that these Rules can do. Blocking these services would put the vision of #DigitalPakistan at a disadvantage & would have a significant impact on growth of the digital economy in Pakistan
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We view the rules as a direct and blatant overreach that creates additional legal liabilities going well beyond the scope of implementation of the parent laws i.e. PTA Act & PECA.
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The policy is dictatorial & unresponsive to the global digital environment. Rather than protecting citizens from online harm, these Rules stand to create significant harm by isolating Pakistani citizens from the global Internet.
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We remind the government that it has been elected under a democratic mandate and actions like this undermine citizens' civil liberties & create a hostile environment that can damage the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy.
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We strongly urge the government to de-notify these Rules and refrain from enacting policies that put Pakistan’s development at risk.

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Additionally, a government obsessed only with its image, should stop trying so hard to jeopardise itself by introducing such draconian policies.

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