May 14, 2025 - Comments Off on Over 8 million women came online in 2024, GSMA Report
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May 13, 2025 - Comments Off on April 2025 Newsletter: Digital Security Helpline Annual Report Launched!
April 2025 Newsletter: Digital Security Helpline Annual Report Launched!
DRF launched its annual flagship report for the Digital Security Helpline. This report marks a new chapter in the Helpline’s journey, transitioning to the Digital Security Helpline in order to cater to the current needs of our time, with an expanded scope of services and footprint that spans across the region.
Launched on International Girls in ICT Day, the report is also a fitting reminder of the Helpline’s objective to transform the digital realm into spaces that are safer for young girls and future generations. Read the press release here in English and in Urdu, and read the report here.
Detailed Breakdown of the Report:
Our Latest Research & Advocacy:
Five-Point Plan for an Inclusive WSIS+20 Review
DRF was part of a collective effort to recommend a Five-Point Plan to the WSIS+20 Review on meaningfully operationalising global digital governance and development goals—with transparency, inclusivity, and stakeholder engagement at the forefront. Read more here.
Safe Posting Tips for Journalists
The Digital Security Helpline produced a checklist for safe posting tips for journalists and media personnel, such as adding trigger warnings or reading Community Guidelines.
Reporting Harassment to the FIA
A clip from Pakistani drama ‘Meem se Mohabbat’ sparked an important conversation online, shedding light on cyber harassment, blackmailing & image-based abuse. The Digital Security Helpline highlighted the message in the clip, and shared some useful tips on reporting such crimes to the FIA to make survivors’ experience easier. Watch here.
Digital Rights Tracker Updates
Press Coverage:
Nighat Dad Talks About WhatsApp Hacking
Nighat Dad appeared on Bol News to discuss the prevalence of WhatsApp hacking, how to identify when your social media accounts have been compromised, and the importance of updating your software to protect against app vulnerabilities. Watch the entire segment here.
Nighat Dad Shares Findings From Helpline Report
Nighat Dad appeared on Geo Pakistan to share major findings and recommendations from the Digital Security Helpline Annual Report. She emphasized the importance of accessibility and clarity for citizens to get legal redressal in cybercrime cases, and highlighted the importance of two-factor authentication for protecting against scams on WhatsApp. Watch the entire segment here.
Helpline Report Sheds Light on TFGBV Crisis
The Digital Security Helpline Annual Report’s figures on TFGBV were covered widely by news outlets, for example, in Dawn, Echoes Media, and Lub Azaad.
DRF Condemns Violations of Privacy Rights in Police Raid
DRF strongly condemned the action of the Mustafabad Police in recording and sharing videos of young individuals after their arrest at a party. Read the statement here.
DRF was also mentioned in the following press coverage:
Events:
Gender-sensitive and inclusive reporting training workshop
DRF, in collaboration with its consortium partners—the Pakistan Press Foundation and Tribal News Network—conducted a one-day training workshop in Karachi focused on gender-sensitive and inclusive reporting. Participants included representatives from rural media outlets across all four provinces. The training also featured sessions on digital safety and workplace safety policies.
Participated in a workshop on media freedom and journalist safety
DRF participated in a capacity-building workshop organized by the Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights (PCHR) and Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD) on media freedoms and journalists’ safety on digitization of threats and crimes against journalists’ documentation system.
Tip of the Month:
Stay Safe, Stay Smart: Best Practices for Everyday Digital Safety
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords – Avoid reusing passwords across accounts. Consider a password manager.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Add an extra layer of security to important accounts.
- Keep Software Up to Date – Apply updates to your devices and apps to patch security vulnerabilities.
- Watch for Phishing – Be skeptical of unsolicited emails or links, especially those requesting personal information.
- Secure Your Wi-Fi – Use a strong password and avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.
- Backup Your Data – Regularly backup important files to secure cloud or external storage.
DRF Resources:
Digital Security Helpline:
The Digital Security Helpline received 266 complaints in April 2025, of which 227 (85%) were related to cyber harassment.
The Helpline also issued a scam alert for phishing on Instagram, with details about how the scam operates, what to do if you click the link, and how to protect yourself from phishing attacks.
If you’re encountering a problem online, you can reach out to our helpline at 0800-39393, email us at helpdesk@digitalrightsfoundation.pk or reach out to us on our social media accounts. We’re available for assistance from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Sunday.
IWF Portal
StopNCII.org
May 13, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistani actors digitally erased from Bollywood promotional content
Pakistani actors digitally erased from Bollywood promotional content
Pakistani actors have reportedly been removed from Bollywood film posters and promotional content on Indian streaming platforms. The move appears to be part of a broader digital cultural boycott amid deteriorating diplomatic relations. Platforms including Netflix India and Amazon Prime Video have edited visuals to exclude Pakistani talent, further erasing cross-border collaboration from the public eye. Critics argue this digitally enforced erasure not only undermines artistic freedom but also feeds into divisive nationalist sentiment, weaponising culture in a digital propaganda war.
May 12, 2025 - Comments Off on Indian official faces online harassment after ceasefire
Indian official faces online harassment after ceasefire
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who announced the ceasefire with Pakistan, became the target of online harassment and nationalist trolling. The backlash included coordinated attacks on social media, questioning the government’s decision to pursue peace. Analysts have flagged the trend of digital mobs targeting policymakers for perceived ‘weakness’, highlighting how toxic digital discourse can shape diplomatic outcomes. The harassment reflects a polarised digital landscape in India, where constructive engagement is often drowned out by ideological extremism amplified through social media platforms.
Misri has since made his X account private, with Indian MP John Brittas urging India’s Home Minister to investigate the cyber attacks targeting the Foreign Secretary and his family.
May 11, 2025 - Comments Off on TikToker sentenced to death in murder case
TikToker sentenced to death in murder case
May 11, 2025 - Comments Off on Woman murdered after exposing social ills on social media
Woman murdered after exposing social ills on social media
May 11, 2025 - Comments Off on Tech community urges development of alternative payment channels
Tech community urges development of alternative payment channels
May 10, 2025 - Comments Off on Former DG ISPR warns Modi against digital provocations
Former DG ISPR warns Modi against digital provocations
Lt Gen (retd) Asif Ghafoor, former Director-General of ISPR, issued a stern warning to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cautioning against continued misinformation and provocations targeting Pakistan. Ghafoor’s statement, released via the social media platform X, accused Indian media and state actors of manufacturing narratives to justify aggression. He emphasised Pakistan’s readiness to counter both physical and digital threats and urged restraint and responsibility from Indian leadership. His remarks come amidst escalating digital confrontations, including hacking threats and disinformation campaigns, underlining the role of digital warfare in modern geopolitical crises.
The former ISPR chief also alleged that X had hidden one of his tweets criticising Modi.
May 10, 2025 - Comments Off on Indian media criticised for spreading war hysteria and fake news
Indian media criticised for spreading war hysteria and fake news
May 10, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistan launches cyber offensive, hacks indian state portals