CYBER SECURITY AND DATA PRIVACY LAW IN PAKISTAN: PROTECTING INFORMATION AND PRIVACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Abstract

The importance of cybersecurity and data privacy cannot be overstated in today's digital age. As Pakistan continues to advance its digital infrastructure and reliance on technology, the need for robust cyber security and data privacy measures has become increasingly urgent. The country has seen a surge in cyber attacks and data breaches in recent years, highlighting the need for a comprehensive legal framework to protect peoples' and organizations' sensitive information. This research paper endeavors to furnish a thorough and up-to-date examination of the existing state of cybersecurity measures and data privacy concerns in Pakistan, with a focus on the challenges and limitations that need to be addressed in order to enhance the country's cyber resilience and protect its citizens' personal information. It will examine the existing legal framework, including the Pakistan Computer Emergency Response Team (Pak-CERT) Act, 2017, the PECA Act, 2016, the Data Protection Act, 2018, and the Cybercrime Act, 2019. The paper will also analyze the various regulations and guidelines related to cybersecurity and data privacy, such as the National Cybersecurity Policy, 2018, and the Data Protection Regulations, 2018. CERT rules 2023 gives a legislative framework to deal with cyber-attacks and vulnerabilities that come up from time to time at the national, industry, and organizational levels. It sets up a working structure for technical support, operational equipment, and capacity building services. The paper will also identify and discuss the challenges and limitations of the current legal framework, including inadequate legal provisions, lack of awareness and enforcement, limited found capacity of law enforcement agencies, and insufficient coordination between government agencies. Furthermore, the paper will provide recommendations for improving the legal framework, such as strengthening legal provisions, increasing awareness and enforcement, building strength for law enforcement agencies, and enhancing coordination between government agencies. The study will employ a qualitative research approach, using a combination of literature review, legal analysis, and expert opinions. The data collection methods will include a review of relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines, as well as interviews with experts in the field of cybersecurity and data privacy. The research paper's conclusions will further the current discussion on cyber security and data privacy in Pakistan., and provide valuable insights for policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders. The paper will also serve as a resource for individuals, businesses, and organizations seeking to understand the lawful framework for cyber security and data privacy in Pakistan. Ultimately, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive knowledge of the present state of cybersecurity and data privacy law in Pakistan and to offer recommendations for improvement, with the goal of enhancing the country's cyber security and data privacy posture.