GNI identifies risks to privacy, freedom of expression in social media rules

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KARACHI: Concerned about the broad scope of the Citizens Protection (Against Online Harm) Rules 2020, approved by the Pakistan government, the Global Network Initiative (GNI) has identified aspects of the rules that create significant risks to privacy and freedom of expression.

The GNI is a multi-stakeholder organisation composed of leading information and communication technology (ICT) companies (like Google, Microsoft, Telenor), academics, digital rights and media freedom groups that work to protect freedom of expression and privacy rights in the ICT sector.

In its statement on Wednesday, the GNI welcomed the government’s decision to hold “extensive and broad-based consultations” on the rules.

“GNI and its members stand ready to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with the government of Pakistan and any other government that is considering how best to address content regulation,” said GNI executive director Judith Lichtenberg.