PRESERVING CYBER-SOCIAL WELFARE: AN ASSESSMENT OF POST 2010 CYBERSECURITY LEGISLATION IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, cybersecurity law is critical to protecting both individual rights and national security. This study conducted a thorough evaluation of Pakistan's post-2010 cybersecurity laws, with a particular emphasis on its influence on social welfare. The study recognised the complex relationship between cybersecurity legislation and societal well-being, with the goal of identifying important flaws, problems, and viable remedies within the legal framework. The research began with an examination of the legislative environment, which contextualised the importance of good cybersecurity legislation in protecting societal interests and national security. Legal ambiguities and loopholes in the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, as well as shortcomings in the National Cyber Security Policy 2021, were examined to identify vulnerabilities exploited by hackers. The study then digs into real-world case studies to demonstrate the effects of legislative flaws on social well-being i.e., the Axact incident and Data hacks etc. This study compared Pakistan's cybersecurity laws to worldwide standards such as the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) using a thorough comparative analysis. The investigation revealed major gaps in data protection, privacy rights, and cross-border cybercrime regulations. These comparative findings highlighted Pakistan's urgent need to align its legislation with worldwide best practises to improve social well-being, national security, and economic prosperity. The study explored how legislative inadequacies might jeopardise Pakistan's security environment before moving on to an examination of national security repercussions thorough case study of "Operation Arachnophobia". The findings of this study add to a better knowledge of the relationship between cybersecurity laws and social welfare in Pakistan, - 13 - providing policymakers with insights that may be used to improve legislation, cybersecurity measures, and overall societal well-being.