DefinePK

Abstract

With the rise of digital platforms, perception of the public has changed; dissemination of information changed; and communication environment has changed. Under the 2025 Amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), it stipulates penalties for disseminating false information, and sets up a tribunal system specifically for hearing these cases, and brings down more state control over digital content to fight disinformation. Although such wide and vague clauses have been objected to by legal experts, reporters and human rights activists for the reasons that they restrict basic constitutional rights such as freedom of speech (Article 19) right to information (Article 19A) and right to a fair trial (Article 10A). The amendments create to enforce these new rules and it falls under the Social Media Protected and regulatory Authority (SMPRA). But in its vague, all-encompassing authority, authorities would have the power to censor voices of opposition, limit internet expression, making for flexibility of empowerment for the government. Comparative analysis of digital literacy programs and content transparency systems vis à vis International best practices as well as regulatory methods in the EU, US, India and UK find them to be more landed substitutes to criminalization as well as too forceful government action. The study of the PECA Amendments 2025 presented in this paper considers more thoroughly their potential impact on basic liberties and offers suggestions as to how the control of false information can be balanced with a defence of democratic liberties.