July 4, 2025 - Comments Off on June 2025 Newsletter: Centering the Global South in the Spyware Accountability Debate at IGF’25
June 2025 Newsletter: Centering the Global South in the Spyware Accountability Debate at IGF’25
At this year’s Internet Governance Forum (IGF), DRF Founder Nighat Dad brought together powerful voices from across the world to moderate a roundtable on Spyware Accountability in the Global South.
The panel featured leading experts, including David Kaye (UC Irvine), Rima Amin (Meta), Elizabeth Davies (UK FCDO), Ana Gaitán (R3D), Mohamad Najem (SMEX), and Apar Gupta (IFF), who collectively called for urgent transparency, stronger laws, and judicial oversight around spyware use.
They stressed that accountability must start by centring voices from the Global South, recognising that lived realities here require tailored safeguards and meaningful redress. From legal reform and export controls to public awareness and community-led advocacy, the panel underscored that multi-stakeholder action such as litigation, export controls, public awareness and stronger domestic laws are necessary to protect civil society from invasive surveillance.
Nighat Dad Calls for Global Action on Online Abuse at IGF 2025
At the Internet Governance Forum, DRF’s Founder Nighat Dad took centre stage at the high-level parliamentary session “Click with Care: Protecting Vulnerable Groups Online”, sounding the alarm on the rising tide of AI-generated deepfakes and the heavy burden victims face in monitoring and reporting their own abuse.
Joined by global lawmakers and digital rights leaders, Dad championed the urgent need for human-centred tech policy, calling for inclusive, coordinated responses that prioritise the safety of the most vulnerable. Her message was clear: online safety is a global responsibility, and it must go beyond simple tech fixes to truly protect those most at risk.
Regional Engagements & Initiatives
DACSA Webinar on Countering Online Hate
On the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, the Digital Accountability Collective South Asia (DACSA) — a regional coalition formed between the Digital Rights Foundation (Pakistan), Digitally Right (Bangladesh), and Hashtag Generation (Sri Lanka) — conducted a timely webinar titled “Speaking Back – Countering Hate Speech Through Regional Research & Solidarity.” Moderated by DRF’s Research and Grants Lead Seerat Khan, the session brought together voices from across the region to share insights and lived experiences. Three compelling case studies were presented by Sara Imran (DRF), Tamara Tama (Digitally Right), and Jerome Coorey (Hashtag Generation), highlighting how hate speech is being supercharged by platform algorithms, and is harming marginalised communities across the region. The session focused on how platform algorithms fuel and enable hate speech and focused on the real-world impacts this has on marginalised communities across South Asia.
WEF Global Technology Retreat and Concordia Europe Summit
At the World Economic Forum Global Technology Retreat, DRF Founder Nighat Dad joined critical conversations on building AI sovereignty to localise tech infrastructure and move away from foreign cloud control, and foster inclusive innovation. From discussions on energy-conscious data solutions to ethical AI in the creative economy, her presence
helped bring a rights-based, global South perspective to the forefront of tech policy discussions to centre actionable paths towards a more sustainable and inclusive digital future.
Nighat Dad at Viva Tech
On June 13, the DRF Founder took the global stage at Viva Technology in Paris – Europe’s largest tech and startup event, drawing over 180,000 attendees. In her powerful session, “Code of Silence: Misogyny, Algorithms, and the Tech Power Structure,” she spotlighted DRF’s research on digital misogyny and Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence. Grounded in moments of deep collective concern like the recent India-Pakistan escalations and the heartbreaking murder of Sana Yousaf, Nighat shed light on how technology is increasingly being weaponised and called for more responsible, humane digital spaces.
Privacy International Meeting
DRF participated in this year’s Privacy International’s Partner Meeting, held from June 9-11. The meeting brought together partners who have been working with the UK-based charity to share knowledge and concerns from their respective organizations and regions, and to collectively discuss changing situations that disrupt the well-being and functioning of civil society.
Our Latest Research & Advocacy
Case Study on Viral Misogyny and the Killing of Sana Yousaf
In light of Sana Yousaf’s brutal murder last month, DRF's researchers analyzed over 180 unique videos, pictures and comments on social media surrounding her untimely death and online presence across 5 social media platforms, to form a report titled “Case Study on Viral Misogyny and the Killing of Sana Yousaf”. The analysis exposes how digital spaces in Pakistan are increasingly weaponised to dehumanise girls/women and incite harm against them.
Digital 50.50 Issue 3 (2025) Launched
Marking International Day for Countering Hate Speech, DRF launched the third edition of the Digital 50.50, focusing on platform accountability and the urgent need to counter online hate speech. This edition sheds light on targeted abuse through coordinated hate campaigns and how digital platforms have become a fertile ground for hate speech, threatening not just individuals but the democratic fabric of our societies.
Read the latest edition of Digital 50.50 here.
Social Media Campaign for State of Free Speech in Pakistan
DRF’s campaign on the state of free speech in Pakistan continued, shedding more light on Pakistan’s ranking in the Future of Free Speech Index and key findings from the report, such as Pakistan’s tolerance for AI-generated content and costly information.
Updates From Our Weekly Digital Rights Tracker
Press Coverage
DRF Condemns Murder of Sana Yousaf
DRF strongly condemned the brutal murder of 17-year-old TikToker Sana Yousaf. In the immediate aftermath, platforms were flooded with rampant misinformation, gendered hate speech, and vile celebration of her death, revealing the deeply entrenched misogyny that continues to endanger women in Pakistan. Many questions were also raised globally regarding the safety of women in online and offline spaces. Nighat Dad pointed out to TRT, Al Jazeera, AFP, Brussels Times and CNN the deep-rooted misogyny at the heart of the incidents, with scant responsibility taken by platforms to address TFGBV.
Nighat Dad discusses AI Disinformation during Iran-Israel War
The DRF Founder appeared on Geo Pakistan to discuss how AI deep fakes and disinformation are being weaponized in modern global conflicts like the Iran-Israel war, spreading fear, panic and confusion.
Seerat Khan on #ThisIsNotTheHeadline Podcast
Research and Grants Lead Seerat Khan appeared on episode 9 of the #ThisIsNotTheHeadline podcast to discuss the deadly toll of hate speech on women in Pakistan in light of the killing of Sana Yousaf.
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Irum Shujah on AGN News
DRF’s Legal Manager appeared on Mukaalma with Saeed Alvi on AGN News, discussing the vulnerability of women in online spaces. The conversation centred around the recent tragedy involving Sana Yousaf and the risks faced by women with public online profiles.
DRF was also mentioned in the following press coverage:
Events
FPU Trajectory Meeting with Rural Media Outlets: Building Safer Newsrooms Together
From June 11-13, DRF spent three days in Murree with journalists from rural media outlets across the country. The goal? To collaboratively shape safer, more ethical workspaces, and understand the realities they face on the ground. Through open dialogue and hands-on guidance, participants explored the challenges they face, discussed the responsible use of AI in journalism, and were given guidance to draft tailored policies for safer, more supportive newsrooms.
Safe Spaces Start Here: DRF’s Internal GBV Disclosure Training
On June 25, Ayesha and Aneeqa from DRF’s Helpline Team conducted an in-house training session on safe disclosure in cases of GBV. The session aimed to build capacity and provide deeper insights into safe disclosure practices. It included participation from the helpline team, legal team, research team, and project managers.
Calling for Reform: Highlighting Gaps in Cybersecurity Laws
DRF’s Legal Manager Irum Shujah addressed a Media Safety workshop, co-hosted by Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights (PCHR), Media Matters for Democracy Pakistan, and the European Union. She highlighted pressing gaps in Pakistan's cybersecurity laws, dissecting the PECA law and recent amendments, and discussed the country's data protection landscape.
Digital Safety 101: Equipping the Next Generation
DRF held a digital safety session for O Level students at the Akhuwat Foundation, diving into some of the most urgent issues facing young people online today. The session unpacked the difference between bullying and cyberbullying, highlighted the importance of consent and privacy, broke down different types of information and why fact-checking matters, and addressed gender-based online harm. Students also explored the ethical use of AI and gained insight into the legal framework surrounding cybercrime.
Empowering Girls Online: DRF & Partners Lead Cyber Safety Session in Saidpur
On 19th June 2025, DRF’s Legal and Digital Security teams hosted an interactive online session with the young girls of Saidpur Village in collaboration with Aurat Tech. Focusing on Cyber Harassment and Online Safety, the session explored essential cyber laws, real-life digital threats faced by girls, and shared practical tools and safety tips to help them navigate and protect themselves in the online world.
Intern Spotlight
Voices That Matter: DRF Intern Speaks Up for Safer Digital Spaces
For this year’s International Stop Cyberbullying Day, Communications Intern Moazin Imtiaz shared a key message with the public to collectively raise awareness about the issue. DRF also conducted a session on digital ethics and safety at Akhuwat with students on a range of modules for online safety in digital spaces, including safeguards against cyberbullying and other harms. (refer to this link for thumbnail image and embedded video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/609843894933580)
Tracking the Pulse of the Digital World: Interns Behind the Scenes
Every week, our Digital Rights Tracker keeps our community up to date with the latest developments in Pakistan’s digital landscape. Behind this effort this month were our Research Interns Midhet Mansoori and Momin Waleed, who diligently compiled the week’s key updates, curating news, trends, and insights that shape the conversation on digital rights.
Nurturing the Next Generation: DRF Intern Joins Legal Experts at Launch of National Torture Prevention Training Manual
On 25th June, 2025, Legal Associate Minahil Farooq and Legal Intern Azka Ahsan from the DRF Legal Team represented the organization at a session hosted by Justice Project Pakistan (JPP), in collaboration with the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) and the Punjab Criminal Prosecution Service (PCPS). The event marked the launch of "Reimagining State Responsibility: Training Manual for Torture Prevention". The event featured key stakeholders discussing the implementation of the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention and Punishment) Act, 2022, and Pakistan’s international human rights commitments.
Tech Trends
Generative AI Watermarking
Selected as one of the top 10 emerging technologies of the first half of 2025 by World Economic Forum, generative AI watermarking is an innovative technology designed to help fight the spread of misinformation and academic dishonesty exacerbated by AI. Generative AI watermarking works by embedding a kind of digital ‘signature’ within the pixels, soundwaves, or metadata of AI-generated content, such as GenAI images or audio. Invisible to the human eye, this signature can be detected by specific softwares. The applications of this technology will have a profound impact on regulating misuse of AI, helping users, fact-checkers, news media organisations, educational institutions, platforms, and even governments identify fake news and plagiarised or inauthentic content. However the WEF forecast also identified challenges this tech might face, including uneven adoption, and ethical concerns regarding mislabelling of real content as AI-generated. Only time will tell how this tech trend develops!
Tip of the Month
Everyday Privacy Made Simple — Meet the Tella App
Your personal data deserves protection no matter who you are. You don’t need to be an activist, journalist, or whistleblower to care about digital safety. If your phone is ever lost, stolen, or hacked, even the most mundane file can become a threat. Tella is a free, secure app designed to help everyone take control of their privacy, right from their phone.
Why Tella Stands Out
- End-to-end encryption for all your files—photos, videos, audio, and text
- Disguises itself as a simple calculator app
- Blocks screenshots and app previews for extra stealth
- Emergency wipe feature to delete everything in seconds
- No cloud storage—everything stays offline, on your device
- Auto-locks after failed unlock attempts
Why It Matters
Leaks don’t just happen to public figures. From relationship breaches to medical privacy violations, many face harm when private data gets exposed. Tella gives you the tools to stay in control, because privacy should be for everyone.
DRF Resources:
Digital Security Helpline
The Digital Security Helpline received 200 complaints in June 2025, of which 166 were related to cyber harassment.
The Helpline also issued some digital safety tips in light of the alarming increase of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence and cyberharassment.
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.
Legal Support:
DRF’s Legal team processed 35 complaints from January to June 2025, with 32 involving women, mostly targeted online by their ex-partners.
If you’re in need of any legal support or advice, you can reach out to DRF’s Ab Aur Nahin portal.
IWF Portal
StopNCII.org
