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August 5, 2025 - Comments Off on Warning issued by PTA against illegal content sharing 

Warning issued by PTA against illegal content sharing 

Social media users were issued a public service announcement by the Pakistan telecommunication Authority (PTA) warning them against sharing illegal content. While acknowledging citizen's freedom to express themselves, the official announcement prohibited users from making, sharing or engaging with unlawful content. The term “unlawful content” was further explained to be anything that can be categorised as blasphemous, anti-state, anti-defense, immoral, and fake.  

August 5, 2025 - Comments Off on PFUJ condemns freedom of expression crackdown 

PFUJ condemns freedom of expression crackdown 

At its 75th anniversary meeting, representatives from the Pakistan Federation Union of Journalists (PFUJ) issued a declaration condemning the government’s "escalating crackdown” on freedom of expression and media independence. The PFUJ president asked for a complete withdrawal of PECA amendments and other unconstitutional bills. The amendments, made in the beginning of 2025, are termed “unjustified, anti-media, and reflective of an authoritarian mindset,” by the PFUJ council.    

August 5, 2025 - Comments Off on STEM feed launched on Tiktok Pakistan 

STEM feed launched on Tiktok Pakistan 

In partnership with the Ministry of Information and Technology and Telecommunications, renowned social media platform TikTok officially announced and launched a new feed in its platform dedicated to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). The update provides users with an in-app experience where they can explore, create and reshare curated content specific to STEM and is specifically designed to promote curiosity, learning and critical thinking. TikTok hopes to nurture inclusive content across provinces, cultures and languages in Pakistan and further plans to partner with higher education institutes to launch training programmes for educators. 

August 4, 2025 - Comments Off on Suspects in viral video case arrested by Mardan police

Suspects in viral video case arrested by Mardan police

After taking notice of a viral video on social media, Mardan police arrested four suspected individuals for harassing a teenage girl. The video, made viral on TikTok, showed a young teenage girl being harassed by men at a private event in the KPK city. Prominent figures such as journalist Asad Ali Toor and urged provincial authorities to take swift action against the perpetrators.

August 4, 2025 - Comments Off on Safe City Project installs surveillance cameras across Rawalpindi

Safe City Project installs surveillance cameras across Rawalpindi

Under the Safe City Project, the government has planned to install over 2,000 high-resolution security cameras in Rawalpindi across 359 locations. With claims made by the government about the usefulness of such cameras for monitoring traffic, public spaces and real-time incident reporting, the Safe City Project was started in Punjab to boost public safety. So far, 1,700 cameras have been installed in the city in market places, major road crossings and entry and exit points of Rawalpindi.

July 31, 2025 - Comments Off on Courier Scam exploiting Digital Platforms busted by Lahore Police 

Courier Scam exploiting Digital Platforms busted by Lahore Police 

Lahore Police, with the assistance of InDrive, successfully busted an elaborate scam operation which was using data from ride-sharing platforms to target and defraud customers. The gang’s ring-leader used prior access to driver records and manipulated courier verification requirements to swindle unsuspecting customers from their possessions.. Materials worth hundreds of thousands of rupees, including electronics and clothing items were reportedly recovered in this crackdown.

July 31, 2025 - Comments Off on CTD Makran detain a 7-year old boy under the Anti-Terrorism Law

CTD Makran detain a 7-year old boy under the Anti-Terrorism Law

The Counter-Terrorism Department in Makran recently filed a case against a 7-year old boy from Gwadar, accusing him of sharing a controversial speech made by Human Rights activist Gulzar Dost on his TikTok account. Authorities insist this act falls under the Anti-Terrorism Law as Mr Dost is placed in the 4th Schedule of the provincial government- that is, he is suspected of harboring links to terrorist organizations. The accused has remained under detention for almost two weeks at the time of writing.

July 30, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistan Announces its 1st National AI Policy after Cabinet Approval

Pakistan Announces its 1st National AI Policy after Cabinet Approval

The long-awaited National AI Policy has been formally approved by the Federal Cabinet. Meant to facilitate an AI ecosystem in the country, the policy sets out the governance and regulatory framework through which private actors and public entities can make use of AI to streamline and grow their effectiveness. Key highlights from this policy include the creation of a national-level AI Venture Fund, scholarships and training programs, and cybersecurity measures. The new policy represents the state’s wide-ranging ambitions towards digitization, but raises significant concerns around ethical use and privacy regulations- particularly in the absence of a Data Protection law.

July 29, 2025 - Comments Off on YouTube rolls out new AI Technology designed to identify underage users by monitoring their behavior

YouTube rolls out new AI Technology designed to identify underage users by monitoring their behavior

YouTube is set to roll out a new AI-powered age estimation tool to better identify users under 18 and protect them from harmful content.  The new system will rely on extensive monitoring of viewing habits, including the ways in which individuals engage with content, in order to independently verify user age. If flagged as underage, said users will face limited ad targeting and restricted access to age sensitive content. According to YouTube, the feature is currently being piloted in the U.S and already operates in some unspecified international markets.