Criminalizing Disinformation in Pakistan: A Constitutional Analysis of Section 26-A of PECA and Freedom of Expression
Keywords:
Disinformation, Freedom of Expression, Section 26-A PECA, Constitutional Law, Digital Speech, DemocracyAbstract
This paper analyses the constitutional implications of criminalization of disinformation under Section 26-A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 in the Pakistan. The main issue is about the conflict between state regularization of harmful online falsehoods as offence and the constitutional right of freedom of expression under Article 19. The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether Section 26-A complies with constitutional standards that has been provided as restrictions on speech, including legality, reasonableness, and proportionality. This study adopts a doctrinal research methodology. It examines the constitutional text, the language and structure of Section 26-A, keeping in due regards to the relevant principles which have been developed in the case law of superior courts of Pakistan. The analysis also looks into the academic literature on the subject of disinformation in order to clarify the conceptual and legal context of this provision. The findings of this study show that Section 26-A lacks definitional clarity, it applies broadly, and relies on speculative assessments of harmful content. The provision also authorises severe criminal sanctions without sufficient legal procedural safeguards. These features create an alarming effect on the aspect of lawful speech: specially on the journalism and lawful political discourse. This paper contributes to constitutional and cyber law scholarship through identification of the limits of criminal regularization of disinformation and through progressing a rights-consistent approach to regulate the online contents and expression in Pakistan.
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