Pakistan has started the preparation of a ‘Digital Rights Protection Bill’, sources said on Saturday, aimed at ensuring the protection of women, children, and minority rights, as well as countering extremist ideologies and terrorism with the assistance of social media platforms.

The legislation seeks to create a conducive and digitally inclusive ecosystem wherein social media companies can operate effectively.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the information technology ministry to spearhead the implementation of the new initiatives in the country. The move is expected to address various issues faced by social media companies in the country.

The proposed legislation not only aims to facilitate international social media companies’ investments in Pakistan but also emphasizes the need for essential regulatory frameworks to smoothen their operations. By establishing a favourable investment environment, Pakistan seeks to attract greater capital inflow from such companies.

Furthermore, the new legislation will contribute to the eradication of harassment, cyberbullying, dark web activities, and crimes perpetrated against women through digital platforms. It will also play a pivotal role in combating the dissemination of offensive religious content through social media channels.

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The protection and well-being of children and minority communities will be pivotal aspects of the legislation, aiming to remove inappropriate content related to minors and ensuring the safeguarding of their rights in cyberspace.

The IT ministry has already commenced the formulation of recommendations and policies, with the assistance of experts in the field.