The Federal Cabinet has granted in-principle approval for the comprehensive safeguarding of users’ personal data, information, and all data categories.
Prime Minister Chairs Meeting
In a meeting held today and chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) put forward its recommendation for the approval of the Personal Data Protection Bill 2023, which was subsequently accepted.
Enhanced User Data Security
The proposed bill aims to ensure robust security measures for users’ personal information and data, mandating various institutions and companies to take responsibility for their protection. As part of this legislation, the government will strictly prohibit any unauthorized sharing of user data with corporations, individuals, or government agencies.
National Commission for Personal Data Protection
The bill outlines the establishment of a National Commission for Personal Data Protection (NCPDP) to serve as a dedicated entity responsible for safeguarding consumers’ private information and addressing their grievances. The NCPDP will function as a civil court, ensuring efficient redressal procedures.
Path Forward
With the Federal Cabinet’s in-principle approval, the next step is to refer the Personal Data Protection Bill to the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Affairs (CCLC) for further deliberation, as per established protocols. Once reviewed and finalized, the bill will return to the Cabinet for its ultimate approval.
Parliamentary Approval
Upon receiving the final approval from the Federal Cabinet, the bill will be formally presented in Parliament. Following the approval process in both the National Assembly and the Senate, it will be enacted as law and come into immediate effect.
