June 2024 Newsletter: Digital Rights Foundation raises alarm over Technology Facilitated Gendered Surveillance on the rise in Women’s Spaces

Digital Rights Foundation is extremely alarmed and concerned about the ongoing surveillance of women and girls in private spaces through unregulated CCTV cameras in women's shelters, hostels, universities and salons, invading their right to privacy and dignity in private spaces. Women are already exceedingly subjected to gender based violence, harassment and social surveillance by society which in turn pushes them to seek refuge in gender segregated private spaces such as these. 

 

For more details, click here.

 

Policy Initiatives: 

 

International Day for Countering Hate Speech

On this International Day for Countering Hate Speech, DRF reflected on the importance of religious tolerance and the Supreme Court's 2014 directive to combat hate speech online against religious minorities in Pakistan. 

 

Stop Cyberbullying Day

This Stop Cyberbullying Day 2024, DRF wanted to highlight our Hamara Internet Mahfooz Internet Project. Through our digital literacy sessions in Lahore's government schools, we educate students and teachers on digital safety, cyber harassment, and ways to combat cyberbullying.

 

Press Coverage: 

Nighat Dad on Zara Hat Ke

DRF’s Executive Director, Nighat Dad, discussed the Punjab Defamation Bill and improper use of CCTV cameras in private areas with Dawn News' Zara Hat Ke program.

 

Watch the entire panel here.

 

Nighat Dad on Geo News

Nighat Dad spoke about online hate speech and trolling on Geo Pakistan.

 

Hate speech has permeated Pakistani society to such an extent that it is now considered a structural issue. On a global scale, a great deal of political dog whistling has made hate speech more prevalent among the populace. Not only should states and leaders be held accountable for such actions, but social media platforms where these occur should also be held accountable. To combat hate and prevent it from engulfing us, we, the actual public, must lead the change through discussions, dialogues, and counternarratives. 

 

Watch the entire discussion here.

 

Global Voices Advox	The latest defamation bill further tightens restrictions on free speech in Pakistan	https://advox.globalvoices.org/2024/05/30/the-latest-defamation-bill-further-tightens-restrictions-on-free-speech-in-pakistan/
Capital Research Center	Misinformation and Checking the Fact-Checkers: Pushing Censorship	https://capitalresearch.org/article/misinformation-and-checking-the-fact-checkers-part-4/
Dawn	Alarm over surveillance of girls in private spaces	https://www.dawn.com/news/1838477/alarm-over-surveillance-of-girls-in-private-spaces
Dawn	Hidden cams	https://www.dawn.com/news/1838914/hidden-cams
The News	Not so hidden agenda	https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1199462-not-so-hidden-agenda
Times of India	Pakistan: Human Rights body raises concern about situation in Kyber Pakhtunkhwa	https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-human-rights-body-raises-concern-about-situation-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa/articleshow/110925261.cms
The News	Enough is enough	https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1199465-enough-is-enough
News on Air	Pakistan Human Rights Commission Raises Alarms On Human Rights And Law Enforcement In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province	https://www.newsonair.gov.in/pakistan-human-rights-commission-raises-alarms-on-human-rights-and-law-enforcement-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-province/
My Ind	Human Rights Body in Pakistan voices concern over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa situation	https://myind.net/Home/viewArticle/human-rights-body-in-pakistan-voices-concern-over-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-situation
The Khaama Press	Surge in Hidden Camera Incidents in Pakistan’s Girls’ Hostels Raises Alarm	https://www.khaama.com/surge-in-hidden-camera-incidents-in-pakistans-girls-hostels-raises-alarm/
Business Recorder	Violation of women’s privacy	https://www.brecorder.com/news/40308746
The News	Battle for privacy	https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1201108-battle-for-privacy
National Endowment for Democracy	Manufacturing deceit how generative AI supercharges information manipulation	https://www.ned.org/events/manufacturing-deceit-how-generative-ai-supercharges-information-manipulation/

 

Events:

Nighat Dad at Palestine Digital Activism Forum (PDAF) 2024 

At PDAF, Meedan’s workshop featured Dr. Dima Saber and Dr. Scott A. Hale alongside Nighat Dad, founder and executive director of the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) in Pakistan. Taysir Mathlouthi of 7amleh — The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media moderated the panel. The session focused on fine-tuning large language models (LLMs) for the Larger World, Meedan’s preferred term for the Global South.

 

PDAF 2024 was centered on the theme “Artificial Intelligence: Revolutionary Promises and Discriminatory Realities.”

 

Nighat Dad at the International Forum for Democratic Studies for the release of “Manufacturing Deceit: How Generative AI Supercharges Information Manipulation” by Beatriz Saab

Nighat Dad, DRF’s Executive Director, as she joins the virtual discussion on how generative AI supercharges information manipulation. 

 

This event marks the launch of the new Forum report, “Manufacturing Deceit” by Beatriz Saab

 

DRF at the PI Partner Convening

DRF was represented at the Privacy International Partner Convening by Senior Program Manager Zainab Durrani from June 17th to June 20th 2024.

The Partner Convening is a meeting of organizations and individuals focused on defending the universal right to privacy through research, advocacy and providing community support. 

The PI Partner Convening saw a host of privacy defenders and advocates from Columbia, Brazil, Mexico, India, Kenya, Portugal and other countries join in to discuss, strategize and congregate on key developments in the privacy sphere across the globe.

Zainab Durrani, who manages DRF’s data privacy portfolio, presented to the conference on two key themes: tech facilitated gender based violence and tech perspectives from the Global Majority, over the span of the 3-day event.

 

Digital Literacy and Citizenship Bootcamp at the Karakoram International University

The DRF team, led by Senior Program Manager Zainab Durrani conducted its second Digital Literacy and Citizenship Bootcamp at the Karakoram International University (KIU)in Gilgit.

The Bootcamp project is supported by the U.S Embassy Islamabad and the opening ceremony for this intensive program was held at KIU on June 1st, 2024.

The keynote speaker was Ms. Alejandra Baez of the U.S Embassy Islamabad and Dr. Ataullah Shah, Vice Chancellor of KIU delivered the welcome note at the event.

The Digital Literacy Bootcamp is a 10-day capacity building program designed to inculcate key concepts such as legal knowledge, social science research, digital safety, digital etiquettes, AI and LLMs and the impact of the disinformation ecosystem, in the participants. 

This Bootcamp was attended by 61 students from various departments at KIU and carried out successfully by various subject matter experts from DRF.

 

DRF accompanied the NCHR Team to the government Dar ul Amaan Rawalpindi  

DRF’s representative, Irum Shujah, joined National Commission of Human Rights’ (NCHR) team on a visit to Dar ul Amaan, Rawalpindi to inspect surveillance cameras within the premises and ensure the privacy and security of residents. The visit was prompted by social media concerns about women's privacy in such facilities. The relevant teams are reviewing their findings and will share recommendations with stakeholders to safeguard residents' rights.

 

Online Safety Workshop in Hunza

The DRF team conducted an Online Safety Workshop in collaboration with IEI Pakistan in Hunza and it was truly enlightening. Empowering girls and women to navigate the digital world safely and confidently is at the heart of our mission for #HamaraInternetMahfoozInternet. Despite the diverse age groups and skill levels, more than 50 participants engaged in crucial discussions on consent, digital safety, and the importance of open communication between parents and children.

 

Anti-Cyberbullying and Digital Awareness session

DRF held a session with 55 students of O-Level and A-Level at Fatima Memorial’s NUR Foundation’s internship program in Lahore. They were informed how to counter cyberbullying, staying safe in online spaces and legal avenues to adopt incase of harassment or scams. They were also given helpline brochures. 

 

A session with Suno FM Radio 89.4-96 ( Aao Bat Krain ) 

Anmol Sajjad delivered a virtual session on online harassment on 25 June 2024, with Suno FM Radio 89.4-96 with Bushra Iqbal. The session focused on online harassment in the digital era. This also includes the discussion of consequences for minors and vulnerable communities and suggested solutions for mitigating these risks. The prevention of online harassment and digital detox were also discussed during the session. 

 

Watch the entire interaction here.

 

MoITT Consultation on May 2023 draft of Pakistan’s Personal Data Protection Bill

Irum Shujah, representing DRF, attended an in-person consultation on the May 2023 draft of Pakistan’s Personal Data Protection Bill organized by the Ministry of Information and Technology (MoITT) in Islamabad on 26 June 2024. Nighat Dad and other senior management members participated remotely and contributed insightful input. Throughout the consultation, both Nighat Dad and Irum Shujah addressed critical issues pertaining to privacy and other key aspects of the draft legislation. Nighat Dad specifically highlighted how certain law provisions infringe upon privacy concerns and create difficulties for stakeholders, emphasizing the need for these issues to be addressed. DRF also submitted comprehensive written recommendations aimed at further refining the bill.

 

Meta's Session on Data Privacy in the Age of AI

DRF legal team recently attended an online session organized by Meta, titled "Data Privacy in the Age of AI" held on 25 June 2024. The session delved into the intricacies of the Personal Data Protection Bill, discussing its critical role in safeguarding privacy. Additionally, recommendations for Pakistan's draft on personal data protection were also discussed during the session. Throughout the session, key topics covered included the definition of privacy, fundamental principles of data protection, and the rights and safeguards for managing personal data in the era of artificial intelligence.

 

 

DRF Updates: 

Cyber Harassment Helpline 

The Cyber Harassment Helpline received 266 complaints in total in June 2024, with 155 complaints by women. If you’re encountering a problem online, you can reach out to our helpline at 0800-39393, email us at [email protected] or reach out to us on our social media accounts. We’re available for assistance from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Sunday.

 

Cyber Harassment Helpline Supporting Journalists

IWF Portal

DRF in collaboration with Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and the Global Fund to End Violence Against Children launched a portal to combat children’s online safety in Pakistan. The new portal allows internet users in Pakistan to anonymously report child sexual abuse material in three different languages- English, Urdu, and Pashto.

 

www.report.iwf.org.uk/pk 

 

StopNCII.org

Meta along with Revenge Porn Helpline (RPH) has launched a portal to support victims of Non-Consensual Intimate Image Abuse (NCII). NCII is a free portal for reporting cases of sensitive or sexual content existing online. Once you report a case, the necessary steps will be taken to block the images from the platform.

 

https://stopncii.org/

 

 

 

 

Under a generous grant from the U.S Embassy Islamabad and in collaboration with the American Institute of Pakistan Studies (AIPS), the Digital Rights Foundation, led by Senior Program Manager Zainab Durrani, conducted the inaugural session of the 10-Day Digital Literacy and Citizenship Bootcamp at the University of Karachi between April 22nd and May 3rd, 2024. 

 

The Bootcamp was attended by 63 students from the Department of Public Administration. The Digital Literacy Bootcamp has been designed to build the capacity of university students on key digital rights issues like digital literacy, online information landscape, digital safety and digital citizenship, keeping in mind that online spaces are now reflective of our lived experiences in our offline lives and with our digital profiles opening new avenues for us, it is crucial to be aware of our rights as digital citizens. The Bootcamp comprises a series of 40+ modules that are designed and aimed at fostering the knowledge of digital citizens in Pakistan in online safety skills to navigate online spaces more effectively. 

 

Policy Initiatives: 

World Press Freedom Day 2024

On World Press Freedom Day 2024, we celebrated the resilient voices of female journalists and our 200+ members strong Network of Women Journalists for Digital Rights (NWJDR).

 

DRF joins organizations in the Global South Alliance  in issuing a statement about their position on the UN Global Digital Compact (GDC) and Summit of the Future

The organizations would like the global body to address pressing issues for civil society in the digital rights sphere with a focus on several areas including Internet access, Research and Data access. They are also expressing concern over the global distribution of risks and opportunities offered by existing and emerging technologies. As much as they welcome the process of a GDC that would contribute towards bridging gaps brought about by inequalities created by technologies, it is their position that the Global South has unique needs and priorities, influenced by unique contexts, dependencies and technology infrastructure.

 

Read the full statement here

 

World Telecommunication And Information Society Day

DRF commemorated World Telecommunication and Information Society Day by shedding light on the Digital Divide in Pakistan through a gendered lens.

 

Digital Rights Foundation joined over 80 Civil Society Organizations and Journalists in Rejecting the Punjab Defamation Bill (2024)

DRF joined over 80 civil society organizations and journalists in rejecting the Punjab Defamation Bill. The Punjab Defamation Bill (2024) is a significant infringement on freedom of expression and press freedom, serving as a draconian tool to suppress dissent, particularly targeting journalists and the public. The bill's provisions, which allow defamation actions without proof of actual damage and impose harsh fines, amount to legal intimidation tactics. By replacing district courts with tribunals, the bill enables undue interference and sets a dangerous precedent by broadly defining "journalists" and "newspapers" to include social media users. This legislation's disproportionate punishments, such as blocking social media accounts, are antithetical to democratic principles. In the statement, we urge the Punjab government to reverse this regressive effort and engage in inclusive consultations to effectively address disinformation and hate speech.

 

The Network of Women Journalists for Digital Rights (NWJDR) condemns the online abuse and threats against Absa Komal

Press Coverage: 

Nighat Dad on Al Jazeera English | How deepfakes can jeopardise the integrity of elections 

Nighat Dad discusses founding the Digital Rights Foundation a decade ago due to her experiences as a South Asian woman and observing digital rights issues in South Asia, especially Pakistan. As a lawyer focused on women's rights, she saw marginalized groups, especially women, facing significant challenges online. 

 

Initially, issues included misinformation, disinformation, digital voter suppression, and online privacy. Now, AI has exacerbated these problems, manipulating voter behavior through algorithms, generative content, and deep fakes. She emphasizes that AI-driven decision-making in elections is often unfair and discriminatory, with a severe impact on female politicians in countries like Pakistan.

 

Watch the entire panel here.

 

‘Uncharted terrain’: How officials, campaigners and fact-checkers tackle AI’s influence on elections around the world

Nighat Dad discusses the impact of generative AI on Pakistan's February election, particularly how Imran Khan's AI-cloned voice messages mobilized voters. Despite the enthusiasm around AI's potential, Dad, founder of the Digital Rights Foundation, expresses concerns over the technology's negative effects, especially the spread of deepfakes and disinformation. She highlights the risks posed to marginalized groups, including women and religious minorities, who have faced attacks through AI-generated sexualized and blasphemous content, potentially endangering their safety in Pakistan's conservative society.

 

Read the full article here.

 

Nighat Dad on Asma Sherazi’s show on  HUM News

Nighat Dad, while criticizing the Punjab Defamation Bill on Asma Shirazi's program on Hum News, stated that the bill is against freedom of expression and press freedom. She described the bill as harsh and biased, aimed at protecting government officials from accountability. Nighat Dad emphasized that the penalties proposed in the bill are disproportionate and could be used against minority groups and women.

 

Listen to her full discussion here.

 

Nighat Dad about the new Cyber Crime Agency on Aik News

Will this new Cyber Crime Agency lead to social media restrictions? Digital rights activist Nighat Dad has openly expressed her views.

 

Listen to her full talk here.

 

Seerat Khan on GTV

Seerat Khan, DRF's Program Lead, spoke with GTV News about the fear surrounding AI, particularly the proliferation of deep fake imagery. Women are the most vulnerable to this behavior, and it has the potential to permanently alter their lives.

 

Byte backlash: new cybercrime agency raises eyebrows

Nighat Dad expresses concern over the lack of consultation with civil society regarding a new cyber agency. She highlights the uncertainty and confusion surrounding the agency's formation and its impact on ongoing cybercrime cases. Dad worries about how her cybercrime helpline will function, questioning which agency to refer cases to and the fate of current cases handled by the FIA. And she emphasizes the need for clarity on these issues as they remain unresolved.

 

Read the full article here.

 

DRF in Press

The Nation	Cyber Crisis	https://www.nation.com.pk/10-May-2024/cyber-crisis
NOS	Meta Supervisory Board: Instagram and Facebook censor Palestinians	https://nos.nl/nieuwsuur/collectie/13903/artikel/2519918-toezichtraad-meta-instagram-en-facebook-censureren-palestijnen
Turkiye Newspaper	Meta reveals censor allegations on Facebook, Instagram regarding Palestinian content	https://www.turkiyenewspaper.com/world/22977
IRNA	Facebook, Instagram censor pro-Palestinian content: Oversight Board	https://en.irna.ir/news/85473681/Facebook-Instagram-censor-pro-Palestinian-content-Oversight
Aurora | Dawn	The Dual Glass Ceiling	https://aurora.dawn.com/news/1145113
Tribal News Network	Federal Government Establishes National Cyber Crime Agency, Igniting Debate on Press Freedom	https://tnnenglish.com/federal-government-establishes-national-cyber-crime-agency-igniting-debate-on-press-freedom
Dawn	Confidential data leak to attract trial under Secrets Act	https://www.dawn.com/news/1833374/confidential-data-leak-to-attract-trial-under-secrets-act
GTV	Parenting In A Digital Age | What Are Kids Doing Online | G Utha Pakistan	https://youtu.be/OOK8Ohi3uM8?feature=shared

 

Events:

Nighat Dad at UNSG AI Advisory Board Meeting in Singapore

Nighat Dad recently attended the United Nations Secretary-General's AI Advisory Board meeting in Singapore. She emphasized the importance of AI governance, ethics, and human rights, advocating for inclusive development and protection of privacy and freedom of expression. Dad called for robust regulatory frameworks to prevent misuse and discrimination, particularly against marginalized communities, highlighting her commitment to global digital rights advocacy and her role in shaping policies that balance technological advancement with human rights.

 

Safeguarding Women Against Online Abuse & Cybercrime at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Peshawar

DRF’s Legal Manager, Irum Shujah, and Digital Security Trainer, Noman Fareed, conducted a workshop at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Peshawar, in collaboration with the US Consulate Peshawar. The interactive session included faculty members and students from various departments. The trainers discussed the importance of digital rights and online safety, taking questions from participants throughout the workshop.

 

The legal portion of the training covered topics such as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, the Workplace Harassment Act, and relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. Meanwhile, the digital training provided insights into basic to advanced settings of chatting apps and other tools, commonly used in academia.

 

Meta Training on Communications Tools

DRF’s Communications Team attended a training by Meta that delved deep into how content works on Meta platforms and what is the best way to highlight your own content on said platforms.

 

Research as Resistance: Convening on People’s Research for Movement Building in Asia Pacific

DRF’s Research Associate, Maryam Ali Khan, attended a three-day convening from 21st to 23rd May. During this event, she participated in a panel on "Research, AI, and Digital Rights and Justice." The discussion explored research in the context of rising digitalization and Artificial Intelligence as both a tool and a site of research, and what this means for people’s research in our region. The convening was arranged by the Asia Pacific Forum for Women, Law and Development (APWLD) in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The aim of the convening was to build a shared understanding of how we do research for movement building in our region and the contexts we navigate to do so, explore collectively the results and impacts of feminist and peoples' research in the region, and based on our collective conversations, identify areas for support, improvement and collaboration in the region. 

 

Justice Project Pakistan organized a Consultative Dialogue with Ms. Christine Chung (UN OHCHR) on 28 May 2024

On 28 May 2024, DRF’s Legal Associate participated in a consultative dialogue with Ms. Christine Chung (UN OHCHR) which was organized by Justice Project Pakistan in Lahore. The roundtable included policy experts, lawyers, human rights activists, and civil society members to discuss strategies for engaging with the United Nations (UN) in light of Pakistan's upcoming UN Treaty Body reviews. At the start of the consultation dialogue, the upcoming reviews including (i) Pakistan's review on compliance with the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) in August 2024, (ii) Pakistan's review on compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in October 2024, (iii) Pakistan's review on compliance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in January 2025, and (iv) Pakistan's review on compliance with the Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) later in 2025 were discussed. During the dialogue, stakeholders discussed issues related to human rights enforcement and the challenges faced in implementing international standards in Pakistan. The consultative dialogue was concluded with a hope to develop a strategy, involving submitting reports and letters to UN committees and special procedures, for improved and coordinated civil society engagement with the UN system at this critical juncture.

Digital Literacy session in government school under Hamara Internet Mahfooz Internet 

This month DRF held its last session in a government school in Lahore with their Digital Citizens program. 120 students (females only) and 5 teachers were informed about ways of staying safe in online spaces and reporting mechanisms in case of harassment or bullying. The participants were given gift bags with online safety resources and stationary.

 

DRF Updates: 

Cyber Harassment Helpline 

The Cyber Harassment Helpline received 398 complaints in total in May 2024, with 213 complaints by women. If you’re encountering a problem online, you can reach out to our helpline at 0800-39393, email us at [email protected] 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

DRF in collaboration with Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and the Global Fund to End Violence Against Children launched a portal to combat children’s online safety in Pakistan. The new portal allows internet users in Pakistan to anonymously report child sexual abuse material in three different languages- English, Urdu, and Pashto.

 

www.report.iwf.org.uk/pk 

 

StopNCII.org

Meta along with Revenge Porn Helpline (RPH) has launched a portal to support victims of Non-Consensual Intimate Image Abuse (NCII). NCII is a free portal for reporting cases of sensitive or sexual content existing online. Once you report a case, the necessary steps will be taken to block the images from the platform.

 

https://stopncii.org/

The Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) has released its seventh annual Cyber Harassment Helpline Report for 2023. The Helpline has completed seven years of operations since its launch in December 2016 and has received a total number of 16,849 complaints from across Pakistan. In 2023 alone a total of 2473 new complaints were received on the helpline with an average number of 206 new complaints received each month and February 2023 having the most complaints in the year.

 

Read the entire report here: https://digitalrightsfoundation.pk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DRFs-Cyber-Harassment-Helpline-Report-2023.pdf

 

Press Coverage:

 

The Daily Spokesman	Digital Rights Foundation releases Cyber Harassment Helpline report for 2023	https://dailyspokesman.net/live/digital-rights-foundation-releases-cyber-harassment-helpline-report-for-2023/
The Public Purview	DRF released seventh annual Cyber Harassment Helpline Report	https://thepublicpurview.com.pk/drf-released-seventh-annual-cyber-harassment-helpline-report/
The Reporters	DRF Cyber Harassment Helpline Report: Rise in Online Violence	https://thereporters.pk/drf-cyber-harassment-helpline-report-rise-in-online-violence/
Dawn	Report notes use of AI for violence against women	https://www.dawn.com/news/1825745/report-notes-use-of-ai-for-violence-against-women
The News	Women largest victims of online harassment: DRF	https://e.thenews.com.pk/detail?id=295991
The Friday Times	AI Among Technologies Increasingly Used To Harass Women Online In Pakistan	https://thefridaytimes.com/05-Apr-2024/ai-among-technologies-increasingly-used-to-harass-women-online-in-pakistan
Voice.pk	Average of 206 harassment complaints each month: DRF Helpline Report ’23	https://voicepk.net/2024/04/average-of-206-harassment-complaints-each-month-drf-helpline-report-23/
Daily Dunya		https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2024-04-06&edition=ISL&id=7190671_44683559
Times of Karachi	DRF report highlights alarming rate of online harassment against women in Pakistan	https://timesofkarachi.pk/article/drf-report-highlights-alarming-rate-of-online-harassment-against-women-in-pakistan/3189
India Blooms	Pakistan witnessing surge in cases related to AI use in violence against women	https://www.indiablooms.com/world-details/SA/42247/pakistan-witnessing-surge-in-cases-related-to-ai-use-in-violence-against-women.html

 

Policy Initiatives: 

Digital Rights Foundation releases its annual report

This comprehensive annual report highlights DRF's efforts during the transformative year of 2023, highlighting the organization's significant milestones and notable accomplishments. At the heart of DRF's mission is an unwavering dedication to creating online spaces that are not only safer, but also more inclusive and accessible to all. This report exemplifies our core values by demonstrating the diligence and dedication we bring to our mission year after year, resulting in a tangible difference.

 

Read the entire report here:

https://digitalrightsfoundation.pk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DRF-Annual-Report-2023.pdf

 

Digital Rights Foundation Public Comment On Oversight Board Case 2023-038-Fb-Mr (Pakistani Parliament Speech)

In May 2023, a video was posted on Facebook by a news channel where a Pakistani politician was addressing the parliament and made comments that suggested that some public officials, including military personnel, needed to be hanged in order for the country to ‘heal itself.’ This was achieved by drawing parallels between the contemporary Pakistani political landscape and the perceived necessity for these executions with an ancient Egyptian ritual where individuals were sacrificed in the River Nile as a means of controlling flooding. Considering this, DRF submitted a comment stating that Meta should have taken down the video from Facebook in accordance with its Violence and Incitement Policy. 

 

However, after review the Oversight Board upheld Meta’s decision to leave up the content. The Board found that the post does not violate the Violence and Incitement Community Standard because it was shared by a media outlet seeking to inform others and therefore falls under the exception for “awareness raising.” The full decision can be read here. 

 

Girls in ICT Day 2024

On this Girls in ICT Day 2024, DRF held a session in the GGHS Model APS Model Town Lahore public school to emphasize the importance of developing leadership skills among young women in the field of ICT, as well as the importance of online safety and digital literacy.

 

Watch the entire coverage here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6Ls5mHr3Eg/?igsh=cHY4Ymlqd3MwNHli

 

Press Coverage: 

 

Rolling Stone	Fake Photos, Real Harm: AOC and the Fight Against AI Porn	https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/aoc-deepfake-ai-porn-personal-experience-defiance-act-1234998491/
Compiler	Harm Reduction	https://www.compiler.news/harm-reduction/
The Friday Times	Pakistan's Misogynistic Lord Of The Flies	https://thefridaytimes.com/07-Apr-2024/pakistan-s-misogynistic-lord-of-the-flies
The Express Tribune	Harassment via AI	https://tribune.com.pk/story/2462141/harassment-via-ai
Dawn	‘Women more prone to online hate speech’	https://www.dawn.com/news/1830295/women-more-prone-to-online-hate-speech
The Express Tribune	Parliament, judiciary urged to protect rights	https://tribune.com.pk/story/2464402/parliament-judiciary-urged-to-protect-rights
IFEX	Journalists who ‘crossed the line’, digital repression, blasphemy prosecutions, and marriage equality bill	https://ifex.org/journalists-who-crossed-the-line-digital-repression-blasphemy-prosecutions-and-marriage-equality-bill/
The Current	Asma Jahangir Conference receives flak for expelling pro-Palestinian protestors	https://thecurrent.pk/asma-jahangir-conference-receives-flak-for-expelling-pro-palestinian-protestors/

 

Events:

Nighat Dad at Skoll World Forum

Nighat Dad was part of the panel at Skoll World Forum titled “Reclaiming Truth in the Age of Information Disorder''. She discussed the crucial role of credible and truthful information in sustaining democracy. She highlighted the challenges posed by emerging technologies, such as fake news and deep fakes, which complicate the identification of truth. Dad emphasizes the growing crisis of distrust in institutions and information, which is particularly critical during elections and highlighted DRF’s work such as our Cyber Harassment Helpline that helps mitigate such a crisis. 

The session also explored potential solutions to counter misinformation and restore trust in democratic processes.

 

Watch the entire panel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UAWPAn3Kpw&t=3s

 

Nighat Dad at the IFEX Convening 

Nighat Dad, Executive Director of the Digital Rights Foundation, attended the first in-person IFEX network convening since the COVID-19 pandemic in April. This significant event, held in Berlin, provided a rare and invaluable opportunity for over 100 member organizations from more than 70 countries to come together and deepen their collaborative efforts in defending freedom of expression and information. The gathering prioritized authentic, unstructured interactions over formal presentations, fostering vibrant corridor conversations and genuine engagement. This approach was aimed at strengthening connections and collective power, underlined by a set of newly adopted principles of collaboration.

Nighat Dad at Asma Jahangir Conference 2024 (AJCONF 2024)

DRF's Executive Director Nighat Dad talked as a panelist on the panel discussion titled “Online Hate Speech & Disinformation” at the 5th Asma Jahangir Conference held on 28 April 2024 in Lahore. The panel focused on relevant laws and regulations in Pakistan governing online hate speech and disinformation. Additionally, the discussion revolved around how social media companies enforce human rights standards, particularly concerning vulnerable communities and sexual/gender minorities. The ongoing litigation under unconstitutional laws (e.g., section 20 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 and 124-A sedition of the Pakistan Penal Code 1860) was also discussed. 

 

At the end of the panel discussion, there was a call for capacity-building training for government and law enforcement personnel to improve investigation methods and evidence handling, and also an appeal for state efforts to regulate social media while safeguarding human rights by considering decriminalization of speech in general. Furthermore, the discussion highlighted the need to maintain a check on the adverse effects of social media platforms blocking free speech, financial independence, and foreign investments in Pakistan.

 

Listen to the full panel here: https://youtu.be/aMAdkriDHgw?feature=shared

 

WISE Session on Digital Inclusion: Empowering Women & Communities

DRF’s legal team attended a session hosted by WISE (Women in Struggle For Empowerment) focusing on Digital Inclusion: Empowering Women & Communities, held on April 4th, 2024 in Lahore. During the session, team members shared invaluable insights regarding the FIA Complaint Mechanism, covering reporting procedures, the support offered to victims via the DRF helpline, and the pivotal role of legal frameworks in combating online harassment or abuse. Throughout the session, our team explored the crucial role of legal frameworks in tackling online harassment or abuse, delving into challenges across physical and online spaces, and reflecting on pertinent legislation such as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (‘PECA’). 

 

Digital Citizen Program in Government Schools

After the Ramadan break and final exams, DRF held two sessions in government high schools in Lahore. 357 students (females and males) and 9 teachers were informed about ways of staying safe in online spaces and reporting mechanisms in case of harassment or bullying. The participants were given gift bags with online safety resources and stationary.

 

DRF Updates: 

Cyber Harassment Helpline 

The Cyber Harassment Helpline received 306 complaints in total in April 2024, with 148 complaints by women. If you’re encountering a problem online, you can reach out to our helpline at 0800-39393, email us at [email protected] 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

DRF in collaboration with Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and the Global Fund to End Violence Against Children launched a portal to combat children’s online safety in Pakistan. The new portal allows internet users in Pakistan to anonymously report child sexual abuse material in three different languages- English, Urdu, and Pashto.

 

www.report.iwf.org.uk/pk 

 

StopNCII.org

Meta along with Revenge Porn Helpline (RPH) has launched a portal to support victims of Non-Consensual Intimate Image Abuse (NCII). NCII is a free portal for reporting cases of sensitive or sexual content existing online. Once you report a case, the necessary steps will be taken to block the images from the platform.

 

https://stopncii.org/

 

Digital Rights Foundation participated in Seoul for the 3rd Summit For Democracy  to bring Pakistan's perspective from the recent elections. The primary focus was on fostering democracy for future generations. Around 300 delegates including government officials, representatives from international organizations, academia, and civil society, gathered in Korea to discuss policy enhancements and strategic pathways to shape a better future for future generations.

In S4D3’s session 'Upholding Information Integrity Online to Reinforce Democracy and Human Rights' in Seoul, DRF's Senior Project Manager Hyra Basit, spoke about how Pakistan's 2024 General Elections highlighted the dark side of online discourse. DRF’s social media monitoring and intensive research during the election period were also highlighted. 

 

Policy Initiatives: 

International Women’s Day 2024

DRF’s team shared heartfelt stories about the remarkable women who have inspired them in celebration of International Women's Day 2024

             

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Privacy International sparked a meaningful dialogue that resonated deeply with us. They highlighted the remarkable women who are leading the charge in safeguarding privacy rights and fostering a more just world.

As part of this conversation, they asked the DRF team to share our reflections on the significance of privacy for women. It was an opportunity for us to explore and celebrate the unique perspectives and contributions of women in this vital field. Our comments are below: 

Maya Ki Kahani | 16 Days of Activism

DRF launched an animated video telling the story of Maya. Maya is a trans woman who works in a department store to make a living. Maya is constantly harassed at work because customers take her photos and videos without her consent. Maya's images are then used to mock her online and spread around the internet. Why is Maya being ridiculed online for simply doing her job? Is Maya being attacked online because of her identity? Does the law protect Maya from this type of abuse?

 

You can watch the entire video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_i3VlCwgeq4

 

In the video, we aimed to educate the audience about important sections of the Prevention of Electronics Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 relating to Section 24 on taking pictures and videos without the consent of a natural person. The video also had information about section 20 of PECA around the dignity of a natural person and sharing content on social media containing false information and violating the privacy of a user.

 

DRF’s Cyber Harassment Helpline Guide

Have you or someone you know experienced any of the following?

 

• Your personal or private picture was uploaded online without your consent
• Your face was edited onto an inappropriate image
• Your information, such as your picture, phone number, or home address, was shared online to harass you
• A fake profile was created using your identity
• Your Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp account was hacked

 

If your answer is yes, and you're in need of assistance, please contact the Cyber Harassment Helpline at 0800-39393, and find out how we can help you.

 

DRF’s WhatsApp Disinformation Tipline

During election days, memes, videos, posts, and messages circulate widely on social media. Mithu is conducting research and he needs your help. If you come across any content spreading false or misleading information, especially regarding female or transgender politicians, please share it with Mithu via WhatsApp.

 

To send a message, click on the WhatsApp button on our Instagram and Facebook profiles or go to this link: https://wa.me/923013249539

Alternatively, you can directly send a WhatsApp message to this number: 

0301 3249539

 

How to use ‘Ab Aur Nahin’

We launched a tutorial on how to use ‘Ab Aur Nahin’, DRF’s confidential legal and counselor support service specifically designed for survivors of harassment. You can easily access legal counsel and support tailored to your area through this user-friendly platform. 

Click, connect, and take charge of your rights today. You are not alone, and you do not need to fight alone!

 

You can access the website here: https://abaurnahin.pk/

 

Press Coverage: 

Nighat Dad on X shutdown on Geo News

DRF’s Executive Director Nighat Dad spoke with Geo News about the X shutdown in Pakistan. Nighat emphasized the importance of transparency in these actions, in accordance with international standards. And our local laws should address online disinformation and defamation without jeopardizing free speech. She went on to say that we need to work on improving existing laws as well as addressing the misuse of Generative AI right away.

 

Watch the entire interview here: https://web.facebook.com/watch/?v=302457409528246

 

A session with Suno FM Radio 89.4-96 ( Aao Bat Krain ) 

Anmol Sajjad delivered a virtual session on online harassment on 6th March 2024, with Suno FM Radio 89.4-96 with Bushra Iqbal. The session focused on online harassment in the digital era, and I also covered its legal aspects. It was focused on online harassment, its common forms, and its impact on physiological and social life. The prevention of online harassment and digital security was also discussed during the session. 

 

Watch the entire interview here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/WQgDhT53gFvENRsG/?mibextid=qi2Omg

 

Nighat Dad speaks about the Resolution to Ban Social Media | Bol News

DRF's Executive Director, Nighat Dad spoke with Bol TV about the resolution in the Senate to ban social media in Pakistan. She expressed her frustration with this way of thinking and how these actions damage Pakistan's image on the international stage. She went on to say that a blanket ban on social media or even internet shutdowns will not stop online disinformation; instead, we must identify the root of the problem and address it structurally, as well as reform our society's thinking that allows people to cause harm through online platforms.

 

Watch the entire interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2lmFfcTDgA

 

DRF in Press

 

Independent Urdu	پاکستان میں سوشل میڈیا پر پابندی کی قرارداد ’آئین کا مذاق‘	https://www.independenturdu.com/node/162076
Dawn	Amid X outage, ban sought on all social media	https://www.dawn.com/news/1818607
Deccan Herald	Pakistan Senate to take up resolution seeking permanent ban on social media sites	https://www.deccanherald.com/world/pakistan-senate-to-take-up-resolution-seeking-permanent-ban-on-social-media-sites-2919832
Pi News	Senator calls for total ban on social media sites in Pakistan	https://proiqra.com/senator-calls-for-total-ban-on-social-media-sites-in-pakistan-pi-news/
The Nation	Digital Regression	https://www.nation.com.pk/04-Mar-2024/digital-regression
DND	Civil Society voices concern on continued internet shutdowns & social media platform blocking in Pakistan	https://dnd.com.pk/civil-society-voices-concern-on-continued-internet-shutdowns-social-media-platform-blocking-in-pakistan/312574
Arab News	28 civil society organizations demand immediate restoration of X in Pakistan	https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2478066/pakistan
Context	Pakistan's WhatsApp death sentence case spotlights blasphemy law	https://www.context.news/digital-rights/pakistans-whatsapp-death-sentence-case-spotlights-blasphemy-law
Index on Censorship	The journalists being threatened with artificial intelligence	https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2024/03/the-journalists-being-threatened-with-artificial-intelligence/
Asia Network News	X already banned when new government took over: Pakistan’s Information Minister	https://asianews.network/x-already-banned-when-new-government-took-over-pakistans-information-minister/
Cryptopolitan	Is AI Cyber Harassment Endangering Press Freedom in Pakistan?	https://www.cryptopolitan.com/ai-cyber-harassment-press-freedom-pakistan/
Soch Fact Check	Ataullah Tarar falsely claims X is not blocked in Pakistan	https://www.sochfactcheck.com/ataullah-tarar-falsely-claims-x-is-not-blocked-in-pakistan/
Geo News	Meta asked to end blanket ban of word 'shaheed'	https://www.geo.tv/latest/536718-meta-asked-to-end-blanket-ban-of-word-shaheed
Global Village Space	Meta's oversight board advises to lift ban on the word shaheed	https://www.globalvillagespace.com/metas-oversight-board-advises-to-lift-ban-on-the-word-shaheed/
Pakistan Today	Meta’s content moderation board advises company to loosen restrictions on word ‘shaheed’	https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/03/27/meta-board-responsible-for-content-moderation-advises-company-to-loosen-restrictions-on-word-shaheed/
Al Jazeera	Meta’s oversight board urges Facebook, Instagram to lift ban on ‘shaheed’	https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/30/metas-oversight-board-urges-review-of-shaheed-censorship-policy

 

Events:

Synthetic Elections: are we prepared for generative AI in 2024? 

Organized by Demos and the UCL Digital Speech Lab, the event provided valuable perspectives on safeguarding democratic integrity amidst technological advancements. Nighat Dad shared her insights on navigating Generative AI in election cycles. The discussion centered around the impact of Generative AI, which has rapidly become a global concern. Policymakers, industry leaders, and the public convened to address the challenges posed by its exponential growth. Notable examples, such as AI-generated political audio and chatbot misinformation during elections, highlighted the urgency of the issue. She cautioned against overreacting to AI developments, emphasizing the need for balanced responses. 

 

Watch the entire discussion here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inaiJ6SJD08

 

Nighat Dad on a panel at HRC55 of UNHRC 

At #HRC55 of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Nighat Dad spoke on a panel ‘A Guiding Compass for the Global Digital Compact’ and she highlighted how human rights should be addressed in the framework of the Global Digital Compact. The Global Digital Compact is an initiative proposed in the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres's Common Agenda. 

 

Read more here: https://www.un.org/techenvoy/

 

South and Southeast Asia Regional Stakeholders Forum on Cyber Sexual and Gender-Based Violence 

DRF also participated in the conference held by the Caught in the Web entitled ‘South and Southeast Asia Regional Stakeholders Forum on Cyber Sexual and Gender-Based Violence’ held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. During this, DRF’s Legal Manager, Irum Shujah, spoke in an “ Understanding the Perspective and Prospects of the Legal Sector” session and provided a Pakistani perspective to the participants. Overall Focus during the sessions was on sharing experiences, tools, lessons learned, and challenges of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) engaged in addressing Cyber Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (CSGBV) and Online Gender-Based Harassment (OGHS) in South Asian countries, with a focus on discussing and disseminating these insights to facilitate learning and integration within their respective countries and across the region.

 

DRF at Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse’s Conference in Kenya

         

DRF also participated in the conference held by the Global Partnership entitled ‘Preventing and disrupting the spread of gendered disinformation in the context of electoral processes and democratic rollback’ held in Nairobi, Kenya. DRF’s participation provided the perspective on gendered disinformation used to target vulnerable identities including journalists, and the use of AI, the abuse of which was heightened during the recent elections, and what DRF is doing to counter such threats to safe online spaces and democratic processes. 

 

Legal Clinic (Live on Instagram)

DRF conducted a live legal clinic on Instagram, creating an interactive space for public engagement. Both the Legal team and Helpline team participated and addressed the queries shared by the audience through comments. The clinic primarily focused on the nature of cases received by the Helpline Team at DRF and the subsequent process of DRF’s legal team processing these cases. The live clinic catered to questions asked by the audience, ranging from ideas about handling evidence to a discussion about the form of online harassment faced by the public at large.

 

Digital Literacy sessions in schools

This month DRF held four schools in Lahore with their Digital Citizens program. 735 students (females and males) and 44 teachers were informed about ways of staying safe in online spaces and reporting mechanisms in case of harassment or bullying. The participants were given gift bags with online safety resources and stationary.

 

A Session with Inspiring Women Pakistan 

DRF delivered a virtual session on 31st March 2024. The session focused on online harassment in the digital era, and we covered its legal aspects as well. There were a total of 30 participants in the session; 15 girls were from Pakistan, and 15 were from South America. We focused on online harassment, its common forms, and its impact on physiological and social life. The prevention of online harassment and digital security was also discussed during the session. 

 

A workshop on Perpetrator Data and Evaluating OGBV Tools

DRF attended an online session organized by the World Wide Web, focusing on Perpetrator Data and Evaluating OGBV Tools. The workshop centered on assessing the effectiveness of the emerging research roadmap in real-world scenarios and gathering feedback for refinement. 

 

International Conference on Transformative Potential of Generative Artificial Intelligence, Law and Legal Education

Minahil Farooq from DRF’s Legal team participated in a two-day International Conference on the Transformative Potential of Generative Artificial Intelligence, organized by the University of Central Punjab. The sessions delve into valuable insights at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Legal education. The conference's objective was to explore strategies for integrating AI into legal education, providing a comprehensive understanding of its transformative potential. 

 

Webinar on Navigating Gender Rights in the Judiciary in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
On 14 March 2024, DRF attended a webinar titled “Breaking Barriers: Navigating Gender Rights in the Judiciary in the Era of Artificial Intelligence” organized by National Law University Delhi, co hosted it with UNESCO and Lawyer's Hub on Artificial Intelligence in the Judiciary. In light of the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), this webinar included a panel discussion consisting of a retired senior judge, a policy analyst, and stakeholders from civil society. The webinar started with a discussion on the scope of AI, its role, and its implications within judicial systems. The discussion led to the European Ethical Charter for AI, highlighting its five core principles emphasizing respect for fundamental rights, non-discrimination, quality and security, transparency, impartiality, fairness, and user control. Insight was also provided about the inherent risks of AI-generated outcomes, particularly considering the situations when algorithms do not have adequate training, potentially leading to severe human rights violations. During the webinar, recommendations were also outlined, stressing the recognition of human biases in AI tools, understanding tool development purposes, maintaining system testing and feedback mechanisms, and promotion of awareness through training. 

 

DRF Updates: 

Cyber Harassment Helpline 

The Cyber Harassment Helpline received 317 complaints in total in March 2024. 50 of these complaints were about NCUI, or Non Consensual Use of Information, which may include images, name, phone number etc. Our helpline prioritizes helping women and transgender individuals. 

 

If you’re encountering a problem online, you can reach out to our helpline at 0800-39393, email us at [email protected] 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

DRF in collaboration with Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and the Global Fund to End Violence Against Children launched a portal to combat children’s online safety in Pakistan. The new portal allows internet users in Pakistan to anonymously report child sexual abuse material in three different languages- English, Urdu, and Pashto.

 

www.report.iwf.org.uk/pk 

 

StopNCII.org

Meta along with Revenge Porn Helpline (RPH) has launched a portal to support victims of Non-Consensual Intimate Image Abuse (NCII). NCII is a free portal for reporting cases of sensitive or sexual content existing online. Once you report a case, the necessary steps will be taken to block the images from the platform.

 

https://stopncii.org/