Pakistan passes controversial cyberlaw

Pakistan has adopted a cybersecurity law that provides the government with the power to block content they deem illegal. According to the regulators, these internet restrictions are necessary to maintain stability in the face of growing threats. According to the law, ‘whoever with dishonest intention establishes a website or sends any information with a counterfeit source intended to be believed by the recipient or visitor of the website, to be an authentic source commits spoofing,’ which carries a penalty of three years. The law has been extensively criticised by human rights advocates, who argue that its ‘vague language could lead to curtailment of free speech and unfair prosecutions’.