Framework for Social Media Regulations in Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46568/jmcd.v26i1.220Abstract
Social media has emerged as an instrument of online discourse which enables people to create and share content at a prodigious rate. Social media is fast-changing public engagement environment in society and is setting trends and agendas on matters that range from the environment and politics to technology and to entertainment industry. However, while social media presents a worthy platform to engage, it has also given unregulated power to state and non-state actors to spread misinformation, false news, and disinformation. As the unregulated power of state and non-state actors is manipulating the society, the governments have demanded the social media networks to regulate their content. However, social media networks have been unable to address the concerns of many. Due to this reason, states have initiated the process of adopting social media regulations to address their unique issues. This paper presents three options for social media regulation frameworks: firstly, self-regulation by social media companies, secondly, limited government-framed regulations that suggest oblige emphasize targeted social media rules to address their shortcomings, lastly, comprehensive government-framed regulatory mechanism that adopts a broad-based approach to social media rules. The finds of this paper conclude that limited government-framed regulations would be the most suitable solution for Pakistan and recommends as to how Pakistan can create and adopt this type of framework