The Ministry of IT has missed the deadline to submit the draft of Personal Data Protection Bill.
This bill was presented by federal cabinet. The bill is aimed to ensure the data privacy of Pakistani citizens by applying strict rules on local and global companies operating in the country.
However, global companies are not satisfied with the bill.
According to sources, major international companies, members of the Asia Internet Coalition, have raised serious concerns that are creating obstacles.
These companies have cautioned that the bill’s current version could discourage foreign investment and slow down Pakistan’s economic recovery.
Corporations like Meta, Google, and X have deemed several sections of the bill to be problematic. As a result they are hesitant to set up data servers in the country and are delaying further investments.
Facebook and YouTube generate billions from Pakistan, yet they are not willing to set up data servers in Pakistan.
These companies have claimed that they have concerns about skilled workers, slow internet and security issues in Pakistan. Due to these concerns the companies are reluctant to expand their infrastructure in Pakistan.
One major issue is the bill’s data localization requirement. It demands that Pakistani citizens’ data stays within the country. Companies argued that this could increase cybersecurity risks.
They have also asked to lower the age limit for data control from 18 to 13. Companies have demanded to set a limit on penalties for violating the bill.
A Facebook delegation raised these concerns with the prime minister. They said to the premier that the National Commission for Personal Data Protection has too much power.
They are against the commission’s ability to impose large fines. Companies want changes to the bill to address these concerns.
