All Posts in Digital Rights Tracker

March 11, 2026 - Comments Off on Iran-Linked Hackers Accused of Breaching Israeli Security Cameras for Espionage

Iran-Linked Hackers Accused of Breaching Israeli Security Cameras for Espionage

Israel’s National Cyber Directorate warned that Iran-linked hackers have breached dozens of Israeli security cameras since the start of the Middle East conflict, potentially using the footage for espionage and operational intelligence. Authorities urged camera owners to update software and change passwords to prevent further security risks. Cybersecurity experts say hackers may be using compromised cameras to assess damage from attacks or monitor targeted locations and individuals. The incident reflects the growing role of cyber operations alongside conventional warfare, as Iran and Israel continue to engage in a long-running digital conflict that has intensified since the latest military escalation on February 28.

 

March 10, 2026 - Comments Off on Pakistan Concludes 5G Spectrum Auction, Raising $507 Million

Pakistan Concludes 5G Spectrum Auction, Raising $507 Million

Pakistan completed its long-awaited 5G spectrum auction in Islamabad, selling 480 megahertz of spectrum for approximately $507 million after three rounds of bidding. Telecom operators Zong, Jazz, and Ufone competed heavily for key 5G frequency bands, particularly the 2600 MHz band, with Jazz acquiring 190 MHz, Ufone 180 MHz, and Zong 110 MHz overall. Officials said the auction would expand digital infrastructure and enable faster connectivity, with Jazz announcing 5G test trials across 180 towers. The government described the auction as a major step toward improving internet quality, expanding 4G coverage, and enabling emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and Web3 in Pakistan’s digital economy.

March 10, 2026 - Comments Off on Law Minister Urges Media Caution on Foreign Policy Commentary Amid Middle East Tensions

Law Minister Urges Media Caution on Foreign Policy Commentary Amid Middle East Tensions

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar urged media outlets and online commentators to exercise caution when discussing Pakistan’s foreign policy amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Speaking at a press conference alongside Information Minister Ataullah Tarar and Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudry, he noted that certain analyses and commentary had caused diplomatic “unease” among friendly countries. The minister emphasized that while Article 19 of Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, it is subject to reasonable restrictions concerning national security, defence, and relations with foreign states. Officials also cautioned content creators and media professionals against speculative or sensational commentary on Pakistan’s foreign policy during the ongoing regional conflict.

March 10, 2026 - Comments Off on Bahrain Arrests Six Individuals Over Social Media Posts Linked to Iran Conflict

Bahrain Arrests Six Individuals Over Social Media Posts Linked to Iran Conflict

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry announced the arrest of six individuals,  including five Pakistanis and one Bangladeshi for allegedly filming, publishing, and reposting videos related to the effects of Iranian attacks amid the ongoing regional conflict. Authorities stated that the suspects shared videos through their social media accounts that allegedly expressed sympathy for hostile acts and contributed to spreading fear and misleading public opinion. According to the ministry, legal proceedings have been initiated and the individuals have been referred to public prosecution. The government also urged the public to rely on official sources and refrain from sharing unverified content online during the ongoing conflict.

March 8, 2026 - Comments Off on Sindh Launches Pakistan’s First Digital Vehicle Insurance Monitoring System

Sindh Launches Pakistan’s First Digital Vehicle Insurance Monitoring System

The Sindh government has introduced Pakistan’s first digital vehicle insurance monitoring system and made third-party insurance mandatory for all vehicles in the province. Under the new rules, vehicles without valid insurance will not be registered, and token tax will not be collected. The law, introduced through amendments to the Sindh Motor Vehicle Ordinance 2025, provides financial compensation for accident victims, including Rs700,000 for families of those killed in traffic accidents and Rs500,000 for individuals left disabled. Officials say the digital system will improve transparency, prevent fake insurance policies, and ensure financial protection for victims of road accidents. 

March 5, 2026 - Comments Off on Peshawar Safe City project inaugurated

Peshawar Safe City project inaugurated

Peshawar’s long delayed Safe City project was finally inaugurated after 18 years by the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Conceived in 2008 and costing a little over Rs. 2 billion, the project introduces an advanced urban surveillance system designed to improve security and law enforcement in the city. Using AI-powered surveillance cameras and facial recognition software, the project will help police automatically detect suspicious vehicles and/or suspected individuals in real-time. Authorities have said that the system will also connect with existing cameras along Bus Rapid Transit routes and other sensitive areas.   

March 5, 2026 - Comments Off on IHC judge fears negative outcome from livestreaming court cases

IHC judge fears negative outcome from livestreaming court cases

A judge from Islamabad High Court has observed “very negative outcomes” from the live streaming of certain court proceedings, and raises concerns over the impact of broadcasting judicial hearings. These remarks were made when while hearing a petition in court, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani noticed a person recording the hearing on their mobile phone, an act which is prohibited under Pakistani court rules. He further noted that when notable cases from superior courts are broadcast live, such as the PTI party symbol case, they are prone to generating political controversy and discourse. 

March 4, 2026 - Comments Off on X suspends revenue sharing for AI war videos

X suspends revenue sharing for AI war videos

Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has announced that creators who post AI generated videos of armed conflicts without clearly disclosing that they are AI will be suspended from its revenue-sharing programme for 3 months. This decision comes amid concerns about misinformation during the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Repeat violations could result in permanent removal from the Creator Revenue Sharing programme and enforcement will rely on the platform’s crowd-sourced fact-checking system, Community Notes. Advances in AI have made it easy to create convincing but misleading footage which can destroy public opinion and cause panic. 

March 4, 2026 - Comments Off on Viral video of remarks by Senate opposition is fake

Viral video of remarks by Senate opposition is fake

A viral video claiming that Pakistan’s Senate opposition leader has said that Pakistan allowed the United States to use its airspace for attacks against Iran has been found to be false by iVerify. The video began spreading on X (formerly Twitter) showing Allama Raja Nasir Abbas making controversial remarks about Pakistan's involvement in US military operations against Iran. It was determined that the video was manipulated and the original audio was replaced with AI-generated information.

March 4, 2026 - Comments Off on US banks on high alert for cyberattacks

US banks on high alert for cyberattacks

US financial institutions are on a heightened alert for possible cyberattacks as tensions escalate following the US-Israel war with Iran. Banking executives and cybersecurity experts say geopolitical conflicts often trigger increased cyber activity, particularly against critical financial infrastructure. US intelligence has suggested that pro-Iran "hacktivist" groups may launch low-level attacks that might cause heavy internet traffic. Groups such as the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) say banks are closely monitoring the situation and strengthening their operational resilience. In the past, Iran has used cyber capabilities against commercial targets and while major disruptions are unlikely, smaller incidents can still affect functionality.