ISLAMABAD: An association of major technology companies, the Asia Internet Coalition, has written to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan this month and raised concern about a push by the government to draft new rules to block online content.
The AIC is an industry association of leading Internet and technology companies and seeks to promote the resolution of Internet policy issues in the Asia Pacific region. Its members include Airbnb, Amazon, Apple, Cloudflare, Expedia Group, Facebook, Google, SAP, Grab, LinkedIn, LINE, Rakuten, Twitter and Yahoo (Verizon Media), and Booking.com.
Media reports in Pakistani media last week said the government had drafted new rules, called the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules 2020, which were awaiting cabinet approval.
“Recent press reports ... indicate that the Pakistani government has already outlined new Rules [to block online content] that are ready to be approved,” AIC’s letter said. “These developments – in particular the lack of transparency on the consultation, an abbreviated consultation process, and strict local office requirements for online platforms – are very concerning.”
“The Rules, if improperly formulated, would actively harm the business environment in Pakistan and its attractiveness as an investment destination for technology companies,” the AIC said.
“We are not against regulation of social media, and we acknowledge that Pakistan already has an extensive legislative framework governing online content. However, regulations need to be reasonable, based upon realistic expectations, capable of being implemented and consistent with best practice.”
As an industry association, AIC said it believed in the potential for multi-stakeholder dialogue to shape “sensible policies and legislation that foster innovation and technological advancement.”
“We also note that PTA had committed during bilateral meetings with AIC and its member companies to share a draft copy of the Rules for further consultation and feedback,” the AIC said, adding: “To that end, we once again respectfully request that the Government of Pakistan make available a copy of the revised draft rules to seek additional input and feedback from relevant stakeholders, who have been actively involved in the policy making process, and allow them a reasonable amount of time to provide feedback and be meaningfully consulted before the Rules are finalized.”
Last week, Pakistan banned social media app TikTok over vulgar content. In August, it blocked five dating apps, namely Tinder, Tagged, Skout, Grinder and SayHi.
On July 21, PTA said it had banned the Singaporean live-streaming app Bigo over “immoral, obscene and vulgar content” and issued a last warning to Tiktok for “similar” reasons. Bigo was subsequently unbanned. The hugely popular online game PUBG also remained banned in Pakistan through July.
