Articles by Media Matters for Democracy
Pakistan: A critical analysis of E-Safety Bill, Personal Data Protection Bill 2023
Concerns have been raised about these legislative frameworks enabling illegal surveillance and isolating Pakistan from the global digital community.
Pakistan government urged to immediately lift restrictions on social media platforms
Media Matters for Democracy said that the restrictions affected nearly 125 million people and caused billions of losses for local livelihoods.
Civil society groups condemn Wikipedia ban in Pakistan
UPDATE: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority restored Wikipedia services in the country on Monday after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the ban on the online encyclopedia be lifted “immediately”.
Pakistan: Civil society condemns the enactment of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Ordinance, 2022
Civil society groups have described the amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Ordinance as “an affront to online free expression.”
Pakistan: Media Matters for Democracy expresses concern over recently announced Social Media Rules
Media Matters for Democracy said that the ‘amended’ Social Media Rules continue to imperil citizens’ privacy and freedom of expression, and risk their fundamental civil liberties in online spaces.
6 in 10 women face restrictions in Pakistan when accessing the internet, new study finds
The research by Media Matters for Democracy is based on a survey with 215 women from across Pakistan and a series of in-depth interviews during the pandemic.
Pakistan: Civil society groups demand transparency and consultation in the drafting of social media rules
In a statement signed by several civil society groups and concerned individuals, the Pakistan government is urged to initiate a credible consultative process in the drafting of social media rules since the measure could have a “detrimental impact” on the country’s digital ecosystem, economy, and online expression.
Pakistan: Solidarity with women journalists calling for an end to online violence
A group of women journalists released a statement highlighting the online abuse perpetrated by accounts that claim to be supporters and members of the ruling party Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf. Media Matters for Democracy called on the government to address the demands of the women journalists.