Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016
The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 is a Federal Legislation which extends to the whole of Pakistan. The Act also applies to any act committed outside Pakistan by any person if the act constitutes it an offence under this Act and affects a person, property, information system or data located in Pakistan. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (“PECA”) is a legislation aimed at addressing and preventing electronic crimes. This Act was enacted to combat various forms of cybercrime, including unauthorized access to computer systems, electronic fraud, cyber bullying, and online harassment. The PECA provides legal mechanisms for the investigation and prosecution of offences related to electronic and internet-based activities, while also safeguarding the rights and privacy of individuals. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 establishes penalties for cybercrimes and outlines procedures for the collection of electronic evidence. This Act has omitted the Sections 36 and 37 of the Electronic Transactions Ordinance, 2002. The provisions of Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 shall have effect not in derogation of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, the Qanoon-e-Shahadat, 1984, the Protection of Pakistan Act, 2014 and Investigation for Fair Trial Act, 2013.
