On January 28, 2025, Pakistan's Senate passed a bill criminalizing the intentional spread of misinformation, which could lead to imprisonment for up to three years. The law defines misinformation as information that the spreader believes to be false and capable of causing public disorder. It also includes significant fines and establishes an agency to block deemed unlawful online content. The legislation has faced backlash from journalists and opposition parties, who fear it will suppress free speech and dissent, leading to protests during the vote.
The bill criminalizes the intentional spread of misinformation, imposing penalties of up to three years in jail and creating an agency to manage online content.
Journalists argue that this law could suppress dissent, emphasizing that they prefer open discussion and transparency in addressing misinformation.
The legislation allows authorities to impose fines and create a censorship agency, raising concerns about freedom of expression in Pakistan.
Members of the Awami National Party joined journalists in protest, indicating widespread discontent regarding the government's approach to regulating misinformation.
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