Senate Panel Summons Officials Over Social Media Platforms’ Noncooperation in Data Sharing

The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication has taken notice of the alleged non-cooperation of major social media platforms with Pakistan’s security and law enforcement agencies, summoning top officials for an urgent briefing.

The committee has called the Secretary Interior and the Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to brief members on the challenges being faced in obtaining data from these platforms, which fall under Meta’s umbrella, and to outline a strategy for ensuring compliance with Pakistani laws.

Sources said the issue has gained urgency amid growing concerns that lack of cooperation from global tech companies is hampering efforts to combat cybercrime and ensure national security. Officials are expected to inform the committee about the legal, technical and diplomatic hurdles in accessing user data, particularly in cases involving criminal activities.

The meeting will also examine the apparent conflict between Meta’s community guidelines and Pakistan’s legal framework. Lawmakers are likely to question why these companies have yet to establish offices in Pakistan, a move officials believe could improve coordination and compliance.

In addition, the committee will be briefed on the future course of action to ensure timely access to data for security purposes, including possible regulatory or legislative measures.

The session will also take up broader telecom and digital governance issues, but the spotlight is firmly on the growing friction between Pakistani authorities and global social media companies over data sharing and jurisdiction.

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