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July 9, 2025 - Comments Off on Grok posts anti-semitic content following latest update

Grok posts anti-semitic content following latest update

https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/internet/elon-musk-grok-antisemitic-posts-x-rcna217634

A recent update to Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok generated multiple antisemitic posts on X, including praise for Hitler (referring to itself as “MechaHitler), offensive references to Jewish surnames followed by  inflammatory comments about recent tragic events. One response falsely identified a person in a screenshot as “Cindy Steinberg,” accusing her of celebrating the deaths of white children in Texas floods, making derogatory remarks linked to her surname. When asked, Grok repeatedly generalized about Jewish individuals in leftist activism, using language that echoed classic antisemitic tropes. Although xAI later acknowledged the incident and claimed to implement hate speech filters, many of the posts remained online as of Tuesday evening, with some getting deleted soon after. Grok inserted such rhetoric without direct user prompts further questioning a much needed reflection on the  troubling shift in tone after Musk’s criticism of earlier versions of Grok for being too “woke”.

July 8, 2025 - Comments Off on Islamabad court orders the blocking of 27 Pakistani YouTube channels on NCCIA’s request 

Islamabad court orders the blocking of 27 Pakistani YouTube channels on NCCIA’s request 

https://www.dawn.com/news/1922836

An Islamabad court has ordered the blocking of 27 YouTube channels, including those operated by PTI and prominent journalists like Matiuallah Jan, Wajahat Khan, Ahmad Noorani and Asad Ali Toor, after the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) accused them of broadcasting misleading anti-state content, invoking Section 37 (unlawful online content) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The court agreed that the channels were "propagating fake and misleading information" that could incite public unrest and directed Google to remove them from Pakistan’s YouTube platform. “You may choose to act on the said content in terms of the aforesaid court order. If you fail to do so, as per our local law obligations, we may comply with the request without further notice to you,” the notice said.

July 8, 2025 - Comments Off on Official body PVARA formed to regulate digital assets

Official body PVARA formed to regulate digital assets

https://www.dawn.com/news/1922661/regulatory-body-formed-to-oversee-digital-assets

Pakistan’s federal government has officially created the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), an independent body tasked with licensing, monitoring and supervising virtual asset service providers in line with FATF and other global standards. The federal cabinet recently approved its establishment on July 8 and once formalized through legislation, PVARA will be responsible for issuing licenses. This will set technical standards, enforcing anti-money laundering protocols mitigating cyber–financial risks across all digital transactions. This initiative is part of Pakistan’s larger strategy to position itself as a regional hub for blockchain innovation inorder to attract foreign investment ensuring public consumer protection and promoting a more inclusive yet secure digital economy.

July 8, 2025 - Comments Off on FBR to help workforce with AI integration

FBR to help workforce with AI integration

https://www.dawn.com/news/1922656/fbr-rolls-out-ai-driven-system

Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a new AI-driven Customs Clearance and Risk Management System (RMS), marking the country’s first use of artificial intelligence in its revenue operations scheme. The system employs AI and automated bots to evaluate the nature and value of imported and exported goods, aiming to reduce human errors, allowing a more streamlined tax assessment. Early testing revealed a 92% boost in system performance followed by an 83% increase in taxable goods declarations and a 2.5‑fold rise in green‑channel clearances which indicated faster custom processing. Lastly, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the initiative, linking it to a broader tax-reform effort that has recovered Rs 178 billion till now furthermore urging towards a fully integrated and sustainable deployment of the system.

July 8, 2025 - Comments Off on IHC seeks proposals from journalist bodies during Peca petition hearings

IHC seeks proposals from journalist bodies during Peca petition hearings

 https://www.dawn.com/news/1922702/peca-plea-journalists-input-sought-by-ihc-on-social-media-regulation

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) is reviewing petitions filed by journalist groups including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, Islamabad High Court Journalists Association, and senior anchor Hamid Mir challenging the 2025 amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). Under Justice Raja I. Ameen Minhas, the court asked these bodies to submit proposals aimed at regulating social media and scrutinizing the legal frameworks used to combat fake and defamatory content. The hearing opened with detailed arguments from PFUJ’s counsel, tracing the evolution of PECA from its original 2016 version to the newly introduced provisions such as establishing a Social Media Complaints Council that petitioners allege threaten freedom of expression and press independence. The petitioners raised serious concerns over the amendments, calling them a threat to free speech.

July 7, 2025 - Comments Off on ​​Drone jamming technology used by KP police during Ashura in a first

​​Drone jamming technology used by KP police during Ashura in a first

https://www.dawn.com/news/1922531/kp-police-use-drone-jamming-technology-for-first-time-during-ashura

For the first time, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police used drone-jamming technology as part of security arrangements for Ashura processions in Peshawar on Sunday. Capital City Police Officer Qasim Khan confirmed that a drone-jamming gun was deployed using the Peshawar Anti-Drone System, which can disable suspicious drones from up to three kilometres away. According to Khan, this development comes in response to previous drone-related threats in southern KP districts. Across the country, 4,836 processions and 5,480 majalis took place, including 12 processions in Peshawar, all concluding peacefully amid tight security. Thousands of police personnel, including snipers and rescue teams, were stationed in major cities. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the army, Rangers, and police, for ensuring a secure environment. In a post on X, he commended the coordinated plan implemented from Muharram 1 to Ashura and thanked all officers for their discipline, unity, and dedication throughout the period.

July 7, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistan’s first cybersecurity tool, Dexter, developed to manage security risks

Pakistan’s first cybersecurity tool, Dexter, developed to manage security risks

https://www.dawn.com/news/1922579/pakistans-first-ai-powered-cybersecurity-tool-launched

Pakistan has developed its first domestically AI-powered cybersecurity tool, named “Dexter” which had been launched by SOCByte. Created as an AI-driven Security Operations Centre (SOC) analyst, it supports human experts by analyzing incidents and providing crucial insights to improve response capabilities and as Pakistan suffered around 34 million cyberattacks between 2023 and 2024. SOCByte emphasized that “Dexter”, along with future similar solutions, will enhance digital sovereignty, local threat intelligence, job creation and strengthen the national cybersecurity ecosystem.

July 6, 2025 - Comments Off on Ashura processions conclude peacefully across Pakistan

Ashura processions conclude peacefully across Pakistan

On Yaum-i-Ashura, Pakistan saw heightened surveillance and online monitoring as thousands of processions took place across the country. In Punjab, over 7,500 CCTV cameras were used to track events in real time, with 113,000 personnel deployed for security. Islamabad, Multan, and other cities implemented similar measures using Safe City systems, drones, body-worn cameras, and mobile control rooms. Alongside on-ground monitoring, a significant crackdown on digital content was reported. The Punjab Home Department’s Cyber Patrol Cell flagged over 1,600 social media accounts for spreading hate speech, resulting in the arrest of 170 individuals. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that similar monitoring efforts were underway nationwide. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif praised the administration’s arrangements, stating this was “not only the best Muharram in terms of arrangements but also the most peaceful one.” She added, “Along with cleaning the roads, the dirt of hatred was also wiped away.”

July 6, 2025 - Comments Off on Reuters X Account Withheld and Later Restored in India After Legal Demand

Reuters X Account Withheld and Later Restored in India After Legal Demand

https://www.dawn.com/news/1922497/reuters-x-accounts-withheld-in-india-local-media

https://www.dawn.com/news/1922534/reuters-x-account-restored-in-india-after-suspension-over-legal-demand

Reuters’ official X accounts (@Reuters and @ReutersWorld) were briefly withheld in India due to what X described as a legal demand, sparking confusion within the Indian media along with the Indian Ministry of Electronics and IT who denied issuing any such directive. X via its Global Affairs account issued a statement on May 8 saying it had “received executive orders from the Indian government” to “block over 8,000 accounts in India, subject to potential penalties including significant fines and imprisonment of the company’s local employees”.The block, which occurred on July 6, 2025, appeared linked to an older order from May reportedly involving “Operation Sindoor,” though it had not been previously enforced. Following media attention and public reaction, the accounts were restored the next day, with Indian authorities stating they were engaging with X to resolve the issue. “At this time, we are no longer withholding access in India to your account,” X said in an email to the Reuters social media team.

July 5, 2025 - Comments Off on Microsoft shifts business model after massive layoff

Microsoft shifts business model after massive layoff

https://www.dawn.com/news/1922163/microsoft-closes-office-in-pakistan-lays-off-staff

Microsoft has shut down its office in Pakistan after 25 years, laying off its remaining employees as part of a global restructuring strategy. The company will now operate in the country through its regional office and certified partners. While some media reports suggested a complete exit, the Ministry of IT clarified that Microsoft is not leaving Pakistan but is shifting to a different operational model aligned with global trends.