DRF is proud to announce that the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Advisory Body on AI, of which our Executive Director Nighat Dad is a member, presented their final report at this year's UN General Assembly. Read the report here. This report is the culmination of the body's efforts to establish a global AI governance framework that prioritizes human rights, particularly with the meaningful inclusion of the Global South. Its recommendations are now integrated in a groundbreaking pact among 193 member states called the Global Digital Compact, representing a significant commitment to rights-based AI and data governance. Ms. Dad provided further insights on the body's work during the Freedom Online Coalition's side event, emphasizing the importance of empowering civil society organizations to actively shape the future, and of holding social media platforms accountable to uphold fundamental rights.

Policy Initiatives:

Nighat Dad at the Global AI Summit (GAIN) 2024

At this year's GAIN summit in September, DRF Executive Director and Member of the UN Secretary General's Advisory Body on AI Nighat Dad underscored the importance of consulting all stakeholders for any AI governance initiative, especially civil society. AI policies must also be grounded in a rights-based framework, she said.

DRF published legal analysis on draft bill on AI regulation

A bill on AI regulation titled the ‘Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Act 2024’ was introduced in the Senate in September. The bill proposes a five-member National Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NCAI). Its responsibilities will include ensuring equitable access to AI opportunities for all citizens; maintaining human oversight over AI matters, particularly in areas such as national security, health, and education; guaranteeing AI systems are safe, secure from "malicious use", and free from errors; developing a robust AI research and development infrastructure; and utilizing AI to enhance public service delivery, such as in healthcare, finance, trade, and science. Furthermore, the bill imposes fines up to PKR 2.5 billion for non-compliance with provisions of the bill without specifying what "non-compliance" would mean. DRF has issued a quick analysis of the draft bill here.

International Day of Democracy Social Media Campaign

On 15 September, DRF marked the International Day of Democracy by questioning whether AI could be harnessed for good as a meaningful tool for governance and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

International Identity Day (ID Day) Social Media Campaign

On 16 September, DRF marked the International Day of Identity (or ID Day) by noting how our national identity cards (or CNICs) contain crucial sensitive information that must be safeguarded against theft or misuse. Read to find out about an important security tip that helps maintain privacy when sharing a digital copy of the card.

International Day for Universal Access to Information Campaign

 

On 28 September, DRF reflected on the many restrictions imposed on our access to information online during the year, and the impact it has had so far.

Press Coverage:

Nighat Dad spoke to Express News about keeping your online data safe

DRF Executive Director Nighat Dad spoke to Express News about ways to protect oneself against hacks and scams using online safety best practices, such as strong passwords, two-factor authentication (2FA) and updating your devices and software. Watch more here.

DRF team on VOA Urdu’s View 360 Program about cyberbullying

In an interview on VOA Urdu's View 360 program, DRF's Programs Lead Seerat Khan shed light on the nature of cyberbullying and ways to protect children from it. She emphasized how women and girls are most vulnerable to such online attacks that misuse their pictures and personal information, and recommended active parental controls and supervision, targeted education programs on digital literacy, and collective societal responsibility for using online spaces ethically. Watch the entire segment here.

Nighat Dad on the achievement of AI recommendations adopted in Global Digital Compact

DRF Executive Director Nighatdad recounted on Bol News how the Global Digital Compact was adopted this year at the inaugural UN General Assembly. In her capacity as member of the UN Secretary-General's High-Level Advisory Body on AI, Ms. Dad said that the body's tireless efforts to recommend a global AI governance framework have finally borne fruit—in a historical achievement, this body's recommendations were incorporated in the Global Digital Compact, and will now pave the way for future AI governance initiatives. Watch the entire segment here,

 

DRF was also cited in the press in the following press coverage:

 

Media outlet	Date	Title
New York Post	4 September	Members of Meta’s Oversight Board have criticized Israel over Gaza — before deciding ‘from the river to the sea’ isn’t hate speech
Pakistan Today	6 September	Cyber security– imperative for Pakistan’s digital landscape
New York Post	5 September	Meta Oversight Board members have blasted Israel over Gaza: ‘Most criminal army in history’
Arab News	10 September	Governance and regulation of AI is crucial, experts say at Saudi-hosted summit
Zenger News	17 September	Kenya’s Special Envoy Urges Global Finance Reforms For Inclusive AI Governance At GAIN 2024 Summit‌

Events:

Digital Literacy and Citizenship Bootcamp at FCCU, Lahore

The DRF team, led by Senior Program Manager Zainab Durrani, conducted its third Digital Literacy and Citizenship Bootcamp at the Forman Christian College University (FCCU) in Lahore, with the support of the U.S. Embassy, Islamabad. The opening ceremony for this 10-day program was held at FCCU on 27 August 2024, with Rector FCCU Dr. Jonathan Addleton as the keynote speaker and DRF Executive Director Nighat Dad for the welcome note. 49 students learned key concepts such as legal knowledge, social science research, digital safety, digital etiquettes, AI and LLMs, and the impact of the disinformation ecosystem.

Emotional Resilience and Well-being Retreat 2024

DRF hosted its annual retreat for 27 women journalists and media practitioners at Nathia Gali, led by Program Manager Maham Bhatty, on 20-24 September. The retreat aimed to offer a platform for the participants to network, foster relationships, learn about protecting themselves in both online and offline spaces, and develop effective stress management and self-care strategies. It involved two days of intensive sessions in areas such as digital and legal safety, team-building activities, therapeutic healing sessions, and yoga; followed by one day of sightseeing to allow the participants a chance to unwind and step away from the daily challenges of their profession.

Two-day Digital Skills Training Workshop in Islamabad

DRF held a two-day digital skills training workshop in Islamabad. This workshop is part of a series designed to empower members of at-risk communities or occupations. The training focused on essential digital safety practices, featuring sessions on open-source tools. Additionally, our legal team provided insights into navigating legal challenges and reporting online hateful content in Pakistan.

DRF at Global Gathering 2024

At the Global Gathering in Estoril, Portugal, in September 2024, DRF played a significant role in hosting and participating in various events, including different circles and hosting a booth.  DRF led discussions on topics related to digital rights, privacy, and security. Our booth featured interactive sessions, showcasing DRF's work in advancing digital rights in Pakistan and fostering regional cooperation on issues such as online privacy and combating gender-based violence online. The event allowed for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with other global digital rights organizations​.

Asia Pacific Feminist Forum (APFF)  2024

DRF participated in the APFF held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, this year, where we presented our research on gendered disinformation in South Asia along with our partner organizations Meedan, Chambal Media, and The Quint. The presentation was based on the case study developed as part of the research that captured the realities of local communities for a more inclusive perspective.

Landscapes of Hope Annual Meeting on the Margins of Requiem for Justice

DRF participated in the annual meeting of Landscapes of Hope, a network of 25 civil society organizations from South America, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, organized by Action for Hope from 18-23 September in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This gathering brought together artists, writers, journalists, and civil society activists from across the globe to raise awareness about social and cultural challenges in the world on issues involving freedom of speech, inequality, injustice, and oppression.

DRF attended a Training Workshop on Legal Strategies for Advancing Gender Justice

DRF's legal team participated in a two-day training workshop organized by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) in Lahore from 5-6 September 2024. The workshop provided in-depth insights into effective legal strategies for promoting gender justice. The workshop also featured interactive discussions and group presentations on how to implement these strategies for public advocacy, offering practical approaches to advancing gender rights through legal frameworks.

DRF attended the “In Search of a Roadmap for Police Reform” roundtable

DRF attended a roundtable on police reform in Punjab organized by Centre for Peace and Development Initiative (CPDI). This roundtable covered the implementation of the Police Order, matters of oversight and accountability, and other policing challenges. DRF's Legal Lead Irum Shujah highlighted the gendered perspective of dealing with local police when assisting women subjected to gender-based violence, both online and offline. She emphasized the importance of addressing the lack of gender sensitization, which often leads to female victims being re-victimized when seeking legal remedies.

DRF attended a Mobilization Meeting on Digital Rights Emergency in Pakistan

On 24 September, the DRF legal team attended a mobilization meeting on the digital rights emergency in Pakistan, organized by HRCP in Islamabad. Policy experts, human rights activists, journalists and civil society members came together to tackle pressing issues such as internet disruptions, VPN registration, and the installation of firewalls. Key discussions included the ongoing ban on X (formerly Twitter) and a critical analysis of the Punjab Defamation Act, which raised serious concerns about legal definitions and the increasing burdens on defendants.

New tech and platform developments

The Global Digital Compact: On 22 September 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a Global Digital Compact. The Global Digital Compact is a UN initiative designed to lay down a set of guidelines for how digital technologies should be governed globally. Its focus ranges from digital rights to ensuring the responsible use of emerging technologies such as AI. It comes on the back of years of work into evolving a global consensus on digital cooperation.

Meta introduces Instagram Teen Accounts: In an effort to keep teenage children safe, Meta introduced Instagram Teen Accounts, designed to address parents’ concerns regarding their children’s wellbeing and online safety. These accounts include a supervision feature with insights into who the child is chatting with and the ability to block access to the app or certain topics in the feed for a specific time period.

DRF’s Cyber Harassment Helpline

Our Cyber Harassment Helpline received 236 complaints in total in September 2024, with 150 complaints submitted by women and transgender individuals. If you’re encountering a problem online, you can reach out to this 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.

DRF Resources

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/