The National Assembly (NA) on Wednesday approved the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill 2015.
The bill must be approved by Senate before it can be signed into law.
According to critics, the proposed bill criminalises activities such as sending text messages without the receiver’s consent or criticising government actions on social media with fines and long-term imprisonment. Industry representatives have argued that the bill would harm business as well.
Online criticism of religion, the country, its courts, and the armed forces are among subjects which could invoke official intervention under the bill.