The federal government has taken stern actions in curbing the spread of fake news by blocking around 86,000 mobile SIM cards, as informed by Cabinet Division Parliamentary Secretary Sajid Mehdi in a National Assembly session on Wednesday. This measure is part of a larger effort to address misinformation on social media platforms and promote the responsible use of communication technologies.
Moreover, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the federal government would take decisive action against social media-using restricted terrorist groups, according to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. To lessen the likelihood that SIM cards would be exploited for illicit activities, measures will also be implemented to guarantee that they cannot be used unlawfully.
Task Force and Strategic Media Aspects
Addressing the worries voiced about the spread of fake news, Mehdi updated the house regarding a joint task force created to handle the matter. The work of this task force is ongoing, and in due course, they submitted their report to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. They provided different recommendations and strategies for effectively combatting the spread of false information.
Among other key proposals is the amendment to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, which will enhance the government’s control of cases about fake news. These amendments are significant in speeding up the legal process, allowing for quicker action against the guilty ones, underscored Mehdi.
Tools of Monitoring & Registering of VPN
The government, in its strategy, is also pushing towards the registration of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to improve online activity control. VPNs—while used primarily to get around region blocks and maintain anonymity—are also being misused as a medium to send fake news without a trace. To alleviate abuse of this technology and strike a balance between privacy and security, the state is gaining registration and monitoring of VPNs.
Public Awareness Campaigns
Besides means of technology and law, the state has started an awareness campaign to inform citizens about the dangers of exchanging or forwarding false news. This campaign aims to deter these behaviors on digital platforms and to raise awareness about the potential criminal liabilities that accompany such behavior.
Expected Outcomes
Sajid Mehdi was confident that these steps would greatly curb the spread of misinformation and improve accountability in the digital realm. Blocking of SIM cards, stricter legal frameworks, and enhanced monitoring tools will yield results in discouraging people and groups from such activities.
Read more: After A 36-Hour Blockade, X Services Are Still Interrupted In Pakistan
Conclusion
The blocking of SIM cards, the establishment of a task force, proposed amendments to PECA, and the mass awareness drive by the government are all a testament to its intent to tackle the challenge of fake news, which has only been growing by the day. These actions demonstrate a multi-layered effort to enhance cybersecurity while maintaining an environment of accountability and transparency.
Govt targets social media activities of terrorists
At the National Action Plan (NAP) Coordination Committee’s critical meeting, officials reported significant progress in counterterrorism operations. In October of this year, intelligence-based actions have killed 206 terrorists out of 7,984 operations.
The discussion emphasised the necessity for closer collaboration between the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) and provincial governments. A National Fusion Centre has been established in an attempt to enhance collaboration and communication. High-ranking PTA and other organisation leaders will present comprehensive measures to demolish terrorism-supporting infrastructure during the following meeting.
Minister Naqvi, who defended Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan, called the latest terrorist attacks “deeply regrettable.” He emphasised the necessity of enhancing the professional capabilities of Counter Terrorism Forces (CTFs) and pledged to provide state-of-the-art technology to police forces in every province. Naqvi stated that enhancing law and order requires a team approach. He requested that everyone cooperate.
To meet the urgent needs of law enforcement, the federal government has mandated that institutions notify the Ministry of Interior of their resource requirements within seven days. Internal reforms are being made to NACTA in order to return it to its foundation and increase its effectiveness in combating terrorism.
As the security measures for Chinese nationals in Pakistan were reviewed, Naqvi gave the order to implement a robust security plan. Additionally emphasised was the need for more resources for the Coast Guard to combat drug smuggling along coastlines.
The establishment of a Counter-Terrorism Authority in Islamabad was one of the key measures that Khalid Khattak, the National Coordinator of NACTA, emphasised in a thorough briefing. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to preventing terrorism and safeguarding its national security.