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ProPakistani
PTA Says It Does Not Access Social Media Data for Criminal Investigation
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a clarification regarding its access to social media data, emphasizing that it does not engage in retrieving such information for criminal investigations. Instead, the responsibility for data acquisition rests with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), aligned with the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. Additionally, amendments to the law are introduced, which include penalties for spreading false information and plans for the establishment of a new governance body, the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority, to oversee compliance and content moderation.
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Published 6 May 2026, 10:55 UTC1 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- PTA states it does not retrieve social media data for investigations.
- Responsibility for data collection lies with the NCCIA.
- Amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act introduced.
- New penalties proposed for spreading false information.
- Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority in the works.
Interesting facts
- The NCCIA is explicitly defined as the body responsible for data retrieval.
- PTA's role is limited to blocking illegal online content.
- Amendments include potential three-year prison sentences for offenders.