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August 29, 2025 - Comments Off on Groups on Meta Platforms spammed AI-generated Holocaust Images to garner monetized engagement

Groups on Meta Platforms spammed AI-generated Holocaust Images to garner monetized engagement

BBC has reportedly discovered a “web” of online spammers producing AI-generated images of the Holocaust. These posts feature Jews in Holocaust camps, and have been labelled by spokespersons of Holocaust Memorial Organizations in Europe as a weaponization of atrocity. By exploiting the memory of the holocaust, content creators have turned it into an “emotional game”, garnering views by spamming thousands of identical photos in what has been termed “AI-slop”, a phenomenon incentivized by the reward systems of private social media platforms. Holocaust Memorial organizations have singled out Meta, the parent company of Facebook, for facilitating the proliferation of these spam posts through its algorithmic incentives and weak content moderation guidelines. Most of these posts were also stolen from the Auschwitz Museum and fabricated through AI systems. The BBC tracked multiple accounts based in Pakistan who have relied on Holocaust related AI-slop to “game” Meta’s Content Monetization Programme which pays users based on the magnitude of audience their posts attract. According to interviewees involved in these schemes, Pakistani accounts were catering their outputs to attract a highly lucrative Western audience, and these incentives have ultimately warped into this new “AI Holocaust” trend. 

August 21, 2025 - Comments Off on Balochistan High Court restores mobile internet

Balochistan High Court restores mobile internet

The Balochistan High Court has ordered the immediate restoration of mobile internet services, ending a 15-day suspension imposed over “security reasons.”

The case was filed by Khair Muhammad Shaheen, chair of Balochistan’s Consumer Civil Society, who argued that the shutdown violated fundamental rights, including access to information, education, trade, and equality. A two-member bench led by Chief Justice Rozi Khan Barrech ruled that services must resume in Quetta within two hours, warning the PTA of contempt of court if delays persist.

Following the order, mobile internet was restored in Quetta and parts of Pishin and Chaman, with officials confirming full resumption in Dalbandin, Pishin, Chaman, and Taftan within hours. The hearing was adjourned until August 25.

The suspension, initially announced until August 31, had disrupted businesses, education, and communication across the province. Rights groups note that repeated shutdowns have become common amid worsening security in Balochistan.

August 21, 2025 - Comments Off on NCCIA releases list of 46 illegal apps and websites in Pakistan

NCCIA releases list of 46 illegal apps and websites in Pakistan

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has released an official list of 46 illegal apps and websites currently operating in Pakistan. The move follows the recent arrest of YouTuber Ducky Bhai in connection with one of these platforms.

The banned apps and websites include online betting and gambling platforms, unregulated forex trading applications, and data-leakage tools that unlawfully provide SIM and CNIC information.

Authorities have warned that promoting or using these apps can lead to prosecution under Pakistani cyber laws, with potential fines and imprisonment. The NCCIA has urged the public to exercise caution and report suspicious digital platforms.

August 20, 2025 - Comments Off on Country’s internet connectivity drops to 20% after PTCL, Ufone outage

Country’s internet connectivity drops to 20% after PTCL, Ufone outage

Heavy rainfall in Karachi triggered major service disruptions to PTCL internet and Ufone networks, causing nationwide connectivity issues. Since other telecom operators source wholesale internet from PTCL, Jazz, Zong, and Telenor, subscribers also experienced service slowdowns and outages.

Netblocks, a global internet watchdog, confirmed a nationwide disruption, reporting that internet connectivity had dropped to just 20% of ordinary levels.

A PTCL spokesperson acknowledged the outage, saying teams were working to restore services but stopped short of confirming the cause. Sources in the IT and Telecom Ministry indicated the fault likely originated at a submarine cable landing station in Karachi’s Clifton area. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) also confirmed that technical teams were working on the issue.

IT Minister Shaza Fatima attributed the disruptions to power outages, flood damage, and network congestion, noting that Karachi’s 12 million mobile subscribers were heavily impacted. With Ufone offline, load shifted to the remaining three operators, further straining their networks.

Telecom officials highlighted additional challenges, including difficulties in supplying diesel to generators and damage to more than 200 towers, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s flood-affected regions.

As a result, Karachi residents reported telephony blackouts in several areas.

August 18, 2025 - Comments Off on PFUJ condemns FIA cases against four women journalists under PECA

PFUJ condemns FIA cases against four women journalists under PECA

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the registration of cases against four women journalists, Nayyar Ali, Sehrish Qureshi, Maira Imran, and Shakeela Jalil, under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

The cases were lodged by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on the complaint of a National Press Club (NPC) member, who alleged harassment by his former wife and claimed the NPC committee members were “facilitating” her. The four journalists were part of the committee that had earlier ruled both husband and wife guilty of misconduct.

PFUJ leaders Afzal Butt and Arshad Ansari denounced the move as a “gross misuse of power” and an attempt to intimidate journalists. They noted the FIA acted without offering the journalists an opportunity for explanation. The union reiterated its demand for the repeal of PECA, widely criticised as a tool to stifle free speech, and warned of nationwide protests if the cases are not dismissed.

August 18, 2025 - Comments Off on NADRA app shows bizarre ‘death cancellation’ option for users themselves

NADRA app shows bizarre ‘death cancellation’ option for users themselves

The National Database and Registration Authority’s (NADRA) mobile app has drawn criticism after users spotted a confusing feature that appears to let deceased individuals cancel their own identity cards.

Under the app’s “Cancel Identity Due to Death” option, applicants are given two choices: one for relatives of the deceased, and another labeled “Myself.” Strangely, selecting the latter triggers a facial recognition “liveness check,” a process meant to confirm that the applicant is alive and matches their official record.

This means the app seems to assume that a deceased person could log in, choose the “myself” option, and complete a liveness check, a contradiction that has left users baffled.

When contacted, a NADRA spokesperson clarified that the service is intended only for relatives of the deceased. However, the spokesperson did not explain why the “myself” selection exists in the first place or why it requires a liveness test for someone presumed dead.

This raises concerns over poor design and oversight in government digital platforms. NADRA has yet to clarify whether the feature is a glitch, a mislabeling error, or a flaw in the app’s design.

August 18, 2025 - Comments Off on PM pushes for cashless economy and digital IDs

PM pushes for cashless economy and digital IDs

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating Pakistan’s transition to a cashless economy. Chairing a review meeting in Islamabad, he directed provincial chief secretaries to support the federal government in expanding the Raast digital payment system to the district level.

The meeting was briefed that Pakistan will build digital public infrastructure, including digital IDs for every citizen, by integrating national identity cards, biometrics, and mobile numbers. These IDs will enable secure and efficient transactions across the economy.

Officials reported that provinces have made progress in linking government-to-public and public-to-government payments with the Raast system. The federal government has also approved right of way for fibre connectivity, while discussions continue with Pakistan Railways and the National Highway Authority to expand digital infrastructure nationwide.

August 17, 2025 - Comments Off on Two TikTokers arrested for obscene video, drug possession in Bahawalnagar

Two TikTokers arrested for obscene video, drug possession in Bahawalnagar

Bahawalnagar Division police arrested two TikTokers on Saturday and registered separate cases against them for allegedly performing obscene acts and possessing drugs. A TikTok clip showing one of the accused, Abu Bakar, disguised in a burqa and performing “vulgar” acts with trader Ikram inside Anarkali Bazaar, went viral on social media. Police said the video was filmed 8–10 days earlier to gain online attention.

On Aug 15, a case under Section 294 of the Pakistan Penal Code was registered against both men on the complaint of ASI Shabbir Shah. Acting on a tip-off, police arrested the duo the following day. During the search, 200 grams of hashish were recovered from Ikram’s pocket.

Another FIR was filed under the Narcotics Act for possession of prohibited drugs. Both accused are currently in custody while investigations continue.

August 17, 2025 - Comments Off on Lahore court dismisses case against transgender persons

Lahore court dismisses case against transgender persons

A Lahore magistrate dismissed the case against a group of transgender persons arrested for allegedly hosting an “objectionable” private party. The court ruled that no incriminating evidence linked the accused to the alleged offences and noted procedural irregularities, including the absence of private witnesses and valid permission for the raid.

The case was filed after videos of the gathering went viral on social media, initially posted by fashion designer Maria B, who called for action against transgender persons. The FIR accused 50–60 individuals under obscenity-related provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Sound System Act.

Human rights activists and legal experts condemned the arrests, warning that vague obscenity laws often lead to arbitrary enforcement against marginalised groups. Transgender rights activist Nayyab Ali criticised the targeting of the community, arguing that the viral spread of the video itself was an act of harm.

Officials have pledged to continue monitoring and taking action against gatherings they deem “immoral,” raising concerns among digital and human rights defenders about the misuse of morality laws.

August 16, 2025 - Comments Off on NA to deliberate ‘Prohibition of Obscenity and Vulgarity on Digital Media Bill 2025

NA to deliberate ‘Prohibition of Obscenity and Vulgarity on Digital Media Bill 2025

A new bill, the Prohibition of Obscenity and Vulgarity on Digital Media Bill 2025, is set for debate in the upcoming National Assembly session. Introduced by PPP MNA Dr Syeda Shahida Rehmani, the bill seeks to curb obscene content on digital platforms, with penalties ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs100 million.

The proposed law covers all digital media, social media, apps, streaming services, films, web series, dramas, songs, live broadcasts, and advertisements. Prohibited content includes sexual immorality, drug use, mocking hijab or religious figures, and content deemed against the ideology of Pakistan or public morality.

The bill provides for a new authority, board, and tribunal. The board, comprising religious scholars, psychologists, legal and media experts, and civil society representatives, will recommend fines and bans. The tribunal, including a judge-level member, media professional, and IT expert, will hear cases.

Violations carry strict punishments: up to five years in jail and Rs10m fine for offences involving religion, women, children, or family values. Digital platforms must report content within 15 days, remove flagged material within 24 hours, and keep records for three years,  facing fines up to Rs100m for non-compliance. Repeat offenders risk license cancellation.

All crimes under the bill will be non-bailable and non-compoundable. Critics warn it may mirror the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, which has been widely criticised for curbing press freedom.