Section 2B: Powers and functions of the Authority

2B. Powers and functions of the Authority.__ (1) In addition to the functions and powers specified otherwise in this Act, the Authority shall have the following powers and functions, namely:__ (a) promote education and research in the related field; (b) promote, incentivize and facilitate social media platform; (c) promote awareness about issues in the public and private sector through print, digital or social and electronic media etc., or any other medium as the Authority may deem appropriate; (d) ensure online safety and rights of persons on social media platforms from any kind of harm; (e) regulate the unlawful or offensive content on the social media platforms accessible from Pakistan; (f) regulate enlistment of social media platforms; (g) grant, renew, refuse, suspend and revoke enlistment of social media platform; (h) to partially or fully block social media platform if it fails to comply with the provisions under this Act until the compliance is made; (i) issue guidelines, directives and standards for social media platforms; (j) proceed on applications made on any contravention under this Act and take actions accordingly; (k) prescribe fines for contravention of the provisions of Chapters 1A and 1B or rules or regulations made thereunder; (l) issue directions to the relevant authorities to block or remove the unlawful or offensive content for the reasons to be recorded in writing for a period of thirty days subject to grant of another extension if any for maximum period of thirty days by majority of all the members of the Authority; (m) coordinate or engage with other authorities, international agencies or organizations, in any study, training or cooperation project related to online safety; (n) enter into contracts as may be necessary for the discharge of any of its powers and functions; (o) engage in human resource development and training of its officers and staff; (p) liaise and interact with counterpart organizations in other countries for capacity building and exchange of information; (q) carry out capacity building and training of relevant entrepreneurs and providing them with facilities, including but not limited to, setting up incubation centers to promote responsible social media platforms; (r) coordinate the implementation of any foreign-aided technical assistance projects; (s) make regulations for receiving or processing complaints and to provide a remedial mechanism; (t) to initiate action on any contravention of the provisions of this Act or rules made thereunder on its own motion or on receipt of an application as the case may be; (u) constitute such committees or sub-committees, for the performance of its functions, as it may deem appropriate; and (v) perform any other function that is ancillary, incidental or consequential to any of the aforesaid functions.

Effective date: 2016-08-18

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