Deepfakes Pakistani Law: PECA Explained

Deepfakes Pakistani Law: What PECA Actually Covers

Artificial intelligence has made it easier than ever to create highly realistic fake videos, images, and audio recordings. Known as deepfakes Pakistani Law, these AI-generated files can imitate real people with remarkable accuracy, making it difficult for ordinary users to distinguish truth from manipulation.

The rapid growth of deepfake technology has raised serious concerns worldwide. Deepfakes have been used to spread misinformation, damage reputations, commit online fraud, manipulate elections, create explicit fake content, and impersonate public figures.

In Pakistan, many people assume there is a specific deepfake law, but this is not the case. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, together with the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, provides the primary legal framework for addressing AI-generated fake content, even though neither law explicitly uses the word "deepfake."

Understanding what PECA covers and where legal gaps remain is essential for individuals, businesses, lawyers, journalists, and anyone who uses digital platforms.

What Is a Deepfake in Pakistani Law?

A deepfake is digital content created or manipulated using artificial intelligence to make it appear that someone said or did something that never actually happened.

Common examples include:

• AI-generated fake videos
• Fake voice recordings
• Manipulated photographs
• Synthetic news broadcasts
• AI-generated political speeches

While some deepfakes are created for entertainment or education, others are intentionally designed to deceive, harass, blackmail, or spread false information.

Why Doesn't Pakistan Have a "Deepfake Law"?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that Pakistan has enacted legislation specifically regulating deepfakes.

In reality, neither PECA 2016 nor the 2025 Amendment contains the word "deepfake" or provides a legal definition of AI-generated synthetic media. Instead, law enforcement agencies rely on existing provisions that criminalize harmful online conduct, depending on the nature of the content and its intended impact.

This means a deepfake itself is not automatically illegal. Its legality depends on factors such as:

• Why it was created.
• Whether it was shared publicly.
• Whether it harmed another person.
• Whether it caused fear, panic, or public disorder.
• Whether it contained explicit or obscene material.

Deepfakes Pakistani Law: Which PECA Sections Apply?

Section 26A – False and Fake Information

One of the most significant changes introduced through the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025 is Section 26A.

This provision makes it an offence to intentionally publish, transmit, or publicly exhibit information through an information system when the person knows or has reason to believe that the information is false or fake and it is likely to cause fear, panic, disorder, or unrest.

For AI-generated deepfakes that are designed to spread misinformation or create public confusion, Section 26A may become the primary legal provision used by investigators. The law provides for imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to Rs. 2 million upon conviction.

Section 20 – Offences Against the Dignity of a Natural Person

Another important provision is Section 20 of PECA, which addresses online content that harms the reputation or dignity of a natural person.

If an AI-generated video falsely portrays an individual in a defamatory or misleading manner, authorities may consider this section. However, legal experts should note that the constitutional validity of Section 20 has been challenged before the Supreme Court, meaning its future interpretation remains subject to judicial review.

Section 24 – Explicit or Obscene Deepfakes

Perhaps the clearest application of PECA relates to sexually explicit AI-generated content.

Where a deepfake is used to create fake intimate images or videos involving an identifiable individual, Section 24 provides a stronger legal basis for prosecution because it specifically addresses offences against the modesty of a natural person. This provision has become increasingly relevant as AI tools make the creation of explicit synthetic media easier and more accessible.

(Continued in the next part with legal gaps, what victims should do first, case law, FAQs, key takeaways, sources, and GEO checklist.)