The Punjab government has decided to ban the use and sale of items equipped with secret cameras and recording devices to protect the private lives and personal information of citizens. The proposed measures include smart glasses, camera pens, watches and other electronic devices that can be used for secret recording.
According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department, the decision has been taken to protect the fundamental rights of citizens and especially to protect women and children from illegal surveillance, harassment and blackmail.
Officials say that there have been complaints about the misuse of everyday items with secret recording capabilities. Such devices can be used to record videos of a person without his permission or knowledge or collect private information, which can affect his personal life.
The government has made it clear that strict legal action will be taken against the use, purchase and sale of secret electronic devices used for spying. However, the full implementation of the ban, relevant legal provisions and details of the penalties applicable for violation will be clear after a formal notification.
According to a report by the daily Dawn, Punjab Home Secretary Ahmed Javed Qazi said that a formal notification for the implementation of the ban will be issued in a few days. According to him, the purpose of announcing the decision earlier is to make people aware of such devices and give them time to destroy them.
A petition regarding the import and sale of smart glasses equipped with cameras and microphones is also under hearing in the Lahore High Court on this issue. The petitioner has taken the stand that the unregulated sale of these devices can pose risks to the private life, dignity and security of citizens.
This move by the Punjab government has come at a time when the availability of recording technology in small and common items has raised questions of consent and privacy.
For experts, an important aspect of this move will be its practical limitations, as for effective enforcement, it will be necessary to clearly define the prohibited devices, legal procedures and distinguish between legitimate uses. Only after the formal rules come out, it will be clear to which products and activities the ban will apply.
