In a significant move to regulate online content, the government has established a Social Media Authority and appointed its leadership.
Senior lawyer Ayaz Shaukat has been named the first chairman. The authority will play a key role in tackling misinformation across digital platforms.
The Ministry of Interior has issued an official notification announcing the appointment of the chairman and members of the Social Media Authority.
According to the notification, senior lawyer Ayaz Shaukat has been appointed as the first chairman of the authority. His tenure, along with all appointed members, will be five years.
Journalists appointed as members
The notification also confirms the appointment of five members, all of whom are journalists. These include Sohail Iqbal Bhatti, Adnan Khan, Salman Zafar, Fahad Malik and Saad Ali.
All members will serve alongside the chairman for a five-year term, as outlined by the Ministry of Interior.
Ayaz Shaukat is currently serving as the Islamabad advocate general. He is expected to assume his responsibilities as chairman of the Social Media Authority after Eid, marking the formal start of the authority’s operations under his leadership.
Authority to act against fake news
The newly formed authority has been granted significant powers to regulate social media content. It will be able to take action against false information and fake news circulating online, aiming to curb misinformation and protect the public.
Under the new system, any person affected by false information or misleading news will be able to file a complaint with the authority.
This step is intended to provide citizens with a direct platform to seek redress against harmful or inaccurate content.
Power to block content
The Social Media Authority will also have the authority to issue orders to block relevant content on social media platforms.
Importantly, the notification states that action will be taken within 24 hours of receiving a complaint, ensuring a rapid response to emerging issues.
The establishment of the Social Media Authority reflects a broader effort to bring accountability and oversight to digital platforms. With defined powers and a structured complaint system, the authority is expected to play a central role in managing online information in Pakistan.
