Social Media Accountability In Pakistan – OpEd

 

 July 22, 2024 

By Dr. Sahibzada Muhammad Usman

In recent years, social media platforms have become an integral part of daily life in Pakistan, providing a means for people to connect, share ideas, and access information. However, with the increasing influence of these platforms, there is a growing need to address various issues arising from their use. It is crucial for social media companies operating in Pakistan to respect local laws, follow to cultural norms, and fulfil their tax obligations. It’s important to investigate the necessity of reigning in social media platforms in Pakistan to ensure they operate in a manner that is respectful and beneficial to the country’s legal, cultural, and economic landscape.

One of the primary concerns with the operation of social media platforms in Pakistan is their compliance with local laws. The Pakistani government has implemented several regulations aimed at ensuring the responsible use of digital platforms. These regulations include the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, which addresses cybercrimes and provides a legal framework for controlling online content. Despite these measures, social media platforms often fail to fully comply with local laws, leading to issues such as the spread of fake news, hate speech, and other harmful content. To address this, it is essential for social media companies to cooperate with Pakistani authorities and ensure their platforms are used responsibly. This includes implementing robust content moderation policies, promptly responding to legal requests from the government, and taking down content that violates local laws. By doing so, social media platforms can contribute to a safer and more secure online environment in Pakistan.

Pakistan is a country with a rich cultural heritage and deeply rooted social norms. The influence of social media on societal values and behaviours cannot be underestimated. Unfortunately, the content shared on these platforms often does not align with local cultural norms, leading to the erosion of traditional values and the promotion of behaviours that are considered inappropriate or offensive. Social media companies need to be more sensitive to the cultural context in which they operate. This means developing and enforcing guidelines that respect Pakistani cultural values and prevent the dissemination of content that could harm societal cohesion. By fostering an environment that respects and upholds local cultural norms, social media platforms can become a force for positive social change rather than a source of cultural conflict.

Another critical issue related to the operation of social media platforms in Pakistan is their tax obligations. Like any other business entity operating within the country, social media companies are expected to pay taxes on their revenue. However, many of these companies have been found to be evading taxes or underreporting their earnings, depriving the Pakistani government of much-needed revenue. The government must take stringent measures to ensure that social media platforms fulfil their tax obligations. This includes implementing clear tax regulations specific to digital businesses, improving the tax collection infrastructure, and taking legal action against companies that evade taxes. By doing so, the government can ensure that social media platforms contribute their fair share to the country’s economic development.

To effectively reign in social media platforms, the Pakistani government, civil society, and the platforms themselves must work together. The government should continue to refine and enforce regulations that address the challenges posed by digital platforms while ensuring these regulations do not stifle freedom of expression. Additionally, the government should engage in dialogue with social media companies to understand their concerns and find mutually beneficial solutions. Civil society also plays a crucial role in this process. Advocacy groups, non-governmental organizations, and media watchdogs can help monitor the activities of social media platforms, raise awareness about their responsibilities, and hold them accountable. Public awareness campaigns can educate users about the importance of responsible social media use and encourage them to report content that violates local laws and cultural norms.

The need to reign in social media platforms in Pakistan is evident, given the challenges related to compliance with local laws, adherence to cultural norms, and fulfilment of tax obligations. By fostering a cooperative relationship between the government, civil society, and social media companies, Pakistan can ensure that these platforms operate in a manner that respects its legal and cultural landscape while contributing to its economic development. It is only through collective effort and mutual respect that the benefits of social media can be fully realized without compromising the values and laws that define Pakistani society.

Dr. Sahibzada Muhammad Usman is a Research Scholar and Academic;
Ph.D. in Political Science at the University of Pisa, Italy. Dr. Usman has participated in various national and international conferences and published 30 research articles in international journals.