The speedy enactment of the Prevention of Electronic Crime (Amendment) Act 2025 from the Parliament of Pakistan 2025 unfolded many tales. This Act, in its object and purposes, states the formation of the Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) to curb the prevalent issue of cybercrime. While the Act is silent on the formation of DRPA, it establishes three major authorities for this end, i.e., Social Media Complaint Council, Social Media Protection Tribunal, and Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority.

The first part of the amendment Act deals with the establishment of the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority. The authority consists of a chairman and eight members. Among these members, six will be appointed by the Federal Government. As per Section 2R, the authority has the power to remove and block online content that is false, fake, or contains aspersions against members of Parliament and the National Assembly. The extensive power of direction and appointment given to the government raises questions on the independence of the tribunal and the danger of its use against the opposition and critics.

The word ‘aspersion’ has been defined by Section 2 (iii)(a) as spreading false and harmful information which damages the reputation of a person. Such aspersions have also been........

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