Blog Archives

Latest Posts

Monthly

Categories

All Posts in #Misinformation

July 27, 2025 - Comments Off on NCCIA charges YouTubers for spreading misinformation about 9 May Trials

NCCIA charges YouTubers for spreading misinformation about 9 May Trials

Federal authorities have moved against around 50 YouTubers and social media activists amid the Supreme Court‑mandated proceedings related to the May 9 trials. Through the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), notices have been issued alleging that these channels  distributed false and negative propaganda about cases pertaining to the 9 May protests. The NCCIA has shortlisted these accounts and is conducting a first round of inquiries; individuals who fail to satisfy the agency’s concerns may face formal legal action.

July 6, 2025 - Comments Off on Reuters X Account Withheld and Later Restored in India After Legal Demand

Reuters X Account Withheld and Later Restored in India After Legal Demand

https://www.dawn.com/news/1922497/reuters-x-accounts-withheld-in-india-local-media

https://www.dawn.com/news/1922534/reuters-x-account-restored-in-india-after-suspension-over-legal-demand

Reuters’ official X accounts (@Reuters and @ReutersWorld) were briefly withheld in India due to what X described as a legal demand, sparking confusion within the Indian media along with the Indian Ministry of Electronics and IT who denied issuing any such directive. X via its Global Affairs account issued a statement on May 8 saying it had “received executive orders from the Indian government” to “block over 8,000 accounts in India, subject to potential penalties including significant fines and imprisonment of the company’s local employees”.The block, which occurred on July 6, 2025, appeared linked to an older order from May reportedly involving “Operation Sindoor,” though it had not been previously enforced. Following media attention and public reaction, the accounts were restored the next day, with Indian authorities stating they were engaging with X to resolve the issue. “At this time, we are no longer withholding access in India to your account,” X said in an email to the Reuters social media team.

May 8, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistan Blocks Dozens of Indian YouTube Channels, Websites Over ‘Anti-Pakistan Propaganda’

Pakistan Blocks Dozens of Indian YouTube Channels, Websites Over ‘Anti-Pakistan Propaganda’

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked 16 Indian YouTube news channels, 31 YouTube video links, and 32 websites, citing concerns over “false information and anti-Pakistan propaganda.”

In a statement released Wednesday, the PTA said the content targeted in the crackdown was spreading “misleading and harmful narratives aimed at manipulating public perception and undermining national unity.” The move comes amid heightened regional tensions following cross-border hostilities.

Describing the decision as a matter of national security, the PTA reiterated its commitment to defending Pakistan’s digital landscape. “This action has been taken in light of the prevailing regional situation to safeguard national security,” the authority stated.

The PTA did not name the blocked outlets but confirmed that the content in question was part of coordinated misinformation campaigns. The authority also urged citizens to report suspicious content, pledging continued vigilance against disinformation.

The National Security Council echoed the PTA’s concerns, condemning India’s “illegal acts” and reaffirming Pakistan’s right to respond in self-defence.

Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40361491/pta-blocks-79-indian-digital-platforms-for-spreading-anti-pakistan-propaganda?fbclid=IwY2xjawKIRZtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHtkpYtudubidhY7w0pDd4No7EK5mHk7755SnPLJq8o8a6tk4pQS3I-drwMvp_aem_8HqNMjeJJAiW32N-5qHcxw

May 7, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistan Issues Cybersecurity Advisory Amid Escalating India Tensions

Pakistan Issues Cybersecurity Advisory Amid Escalating India Tensions

As tensions with India intensify, Pakistan’s National Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT) has issued a cybersecurity advisory warning of a surge in cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns targeting national infrastructure.

The advisory highlights that hostile actors are exploiting the regional conflict to spread disinformation, phishing attempts, and fake news via social media and messaging platforms to destabilize public perception.

“Hostile elements are trying to sow chaos and exploit uncertainty,” the advisory noted, urging citizens not to share unverified updates, especially via WhatsApp or X.

CERT called for extreme caution when clicking on suspicious links or engaging with questionable content, emphasizing the need to rely solely on trusted, official sources.

The advisory follows India’s recent airstrikes on Pakistani cities and the Pakistan military’s retaliation, which reportedly downed five Indian jets. Government officials have warned of continued digital warfare alongside conventional military escalations.

CERT has recently requested citizens to join its WhatsApp channel to stay updated on comprehensive cybersecurity updates including verified threats, official advisories, disinformation alerts, best practices, and emergency responses. The channel can be joined via this link: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaN7FrQHVvTcbX9KmI26

Source: https://www.samaa.tv/2087333043-cert-warns-pakistan-of-growing-cyber-attacks-amid-india-tensions#google_vignette

March 20, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistani TikToker, political activist arrested for “misinformation” on social media

Pakistani TikToker, political activist arrested for “misinformation” on social media

Police in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, have made what is being reported as the first arrest since the expansion of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). A Tiktoker and political activist for the PTI party allegedly published numerous posts that allegedly shared “misinformation and negative propaganda” against senior members of the armed forces and the Chief Minister of the Punjab. As reported by TechJuice, the case was filed “under Section 505 of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 20 of the PECA Act 2016”, “officials argue that such activity could erode public trust and fuel unrest.”

March 19, 2025 - Comments Off on Over 34 social media users charged with spreading “fake news” about bomb blasts

Over 34 social media users charged with spreading “fake news” about bomb blasts

Police in Dadu, in the province of Sindh, have filed formal First Information Reports (FIRs) against over 34 Pakistani social media users for “spreading false information with the wrong use of social media” as per a statement by the Dadu police force. According to the police, the suspects were accused of sharing false rumours and news pertaining to bomb blasts. The FIRs were registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), which lists sharing fake news as being a criminal action as per Section 20. The Dadu Superintendent of Police (SSP) said that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had been written to as well, to request further action.

January 24, 2025 - Comments Off on WhatsApp group admin arrested in Pakpattan

WhatsApp group admin arrested in Pakpattan

A WhatsApp group administrator from Pakpattan was arrested under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA) for allegedly permitting a post insulting the Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz.

The suspect who allegedly made the post and the group admin were booked under Section 20 (Offences against the dignity of a natural person) of PECA and Section 509 of the Pakistan Penal Code. According to a statement issued by the Pakpattan District Police Officer Javed Chaddar, authorities took notice of the post after it went viral on social media. The post was described by the DPO as “malicious and insulting against the Chief Minister”.

This arrest comes on the heels of the passage of the controversial amendments to the PECA by the National Assembly on the same day as the arrest. The new provision, Section 26(A), under which the suspect and group admin were booked, penalises online perpetrators of “fake news”. The provision reads:

“Whoever intentionally disseminates, publicly exhibits, or transmits any information through any information system, that he knows or has reason to believe to be false or fake and likely to cause or create a sense of fear, panic or disorder or unrest in general public or society shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend upto three years or with fine which may extend to Rs2m or with both.”

December 13, 2024 - Comments Off on Senate passes Digital Forensics Agency Bill

Senate passes Digital Forensics Agency Bill

Pakistan’s Senate (upper house) unanimously approved the passage of the “National Forensic Agency Bill, 2024” paving the way for the creation of an independent forensic agency (NFA) at the national level. The NFA will upgrade existing capabilities of conventional forensics labs across Pakistan. Furthermore, NFA will set up a digital forensics lab to provide services to governments across Pakistan. Furthermore, NFA will integrate “digital and cyber forensics to combat crimes involving electronic devices, deepfakes, and other electronic offences.” The Bill must now be approved by the National Assembly (lower house) before it can become an Act. Proposed by the government earlier this month, the soon to be established National Forensics Agency (NFA) comes as part of a muscular legislative and political push over the course of this  year by the Pakistan government, in what it has framed as its war on “fake news”, or disinformation and misinformation.