The federal cabinet has given the go-ahead for legislation on establishing an e-Safety Agency to control social media and digital channels.
The IT Ministry put forward the proposal as, according to sources, the centre deems the PICA Act 2016 has loopholes to control social media and digital channels.
A broad-based legal framework is required to regulate social media and digital channels, they said.
The IT Ministry will prepare a draft and all stakeholders will also be consulted.
All websites can be monitored under e-safety law and the agency will be able to monitor social media activities.
Social media rules will also be made part of the e-safety law and the websites of TV channels and newspapers will also be monitored.
Online harassment, cyberbullying, bullying and propaganda of individual personality harassment will be addressed.
The e-Safety Bill will protect users' data and prevent unauthorized and illegal use of information, the ministry maintained, adding that all types of online services and consumer protection will be ensured
Information given to companies and user data on social networking websites will be secured, it added.
All websites can be monitored and the social media rules will also be made part of the e-safety bill.
The websites of TV channels and newspapers will also be monitored and freedom of expression will be guaranteed.
Online harassment, cyberbullying, and harassment will also be addressed.
The step will also protect users' data and prevent unauthorized and illegal use of information systems.