Draconian internet rules
The new Rules undermine the citizens’ right to privacy and enhance the state’s surveillance powers.
Usama Khilji
Internet policymaking
It is important that internet laws and policies be democratic, transparent, consultative and informed.
Censoring freedoms
Can we not utilise these very apps to put forward the messages we want to encourage?
Chilling effect
The intent is to keep people away from political discourse.
Toe the line
The agenda seems to be to discredit the press.
Reimagining the internet
Companies are more likely to invest here if there are no threats of measures to block apps and websites.
Data protection bill
It is important to explore the strengths of the bill as well as address its shortcomings.
Tracking Covid-19
Transparency is essential in the government’s methods.
Pemra’s latest assault
The only type of regulation that makes sense for internet-based content is self-regulation.
Dangerous surveillance
The University of Balochistan case is only the proverbial tip of the iceberg of privacy violations in Pakistan.
Technology for justice
Perhaps technology can empower citizens to hold the law-enforcement system accountable.
Internet surveillance
If surveillance is to be carried out, there should at least be safeguards against abuse.
Modern grief
The obsession with capturing every moment through phones acts as a saviour.
Welcome to 1984
Efforts to control what citizens can say sound ideal in an Orwellian dystopia, but not in a democratic state.
Data protection law
The draft law contains some welcome steps to protect personal information.
Stifling the voices of dissent
Are citizens expected to blindly peddle state propaganda and not question state excesses?
An alarming nexus
Tech companies have begun to cede to requests for censorship.
Paralysed state
It is time for tough decisions to establish the writ of the state.
Elite bias
Voting is a right, not a privilege.
Polls & social media
Social media is far more democratic than other forms of media.