First Cybercrime Case Filed Over Spreading Fake News in Pakistan

KARACHI: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing in Karachi has registered its first case against individuals for disseminating fabricated and misleading news online.

Saifur Rehman, a resident of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Block 1, is accused of using social media to disseminate propaganda during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demonstration in November. This is a significant step in the war against digital misinformation.

According to the complaint, the defendant spread false information and insulted the government and its agencies through their social media accounts, in violation of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

The FIA claims that a technical examination of the defendant’s Twitter account uncovered multiple posts endorsing anti-state rhetoric. During the investigation, the account allegedly published content that regularly undermined governmental institutions.

Govt Launches Crackdown on Anti-State Propaganda

On December 6, the federal administration formally resolved to tighten down on anti-state propaganda on a national level. The crackdown will target those who create bad narratives about security organizations.

At the federal and provincial levels, plans were made to establish joint teams of security agencies and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) cybercrime wing. These teams would have the authority to arrest and investigate anyone involved in these types of crimes.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and other relevant organizations would unconditionally back the teams. The effective tracking and investigation of social media accounts involved in anti-national content would be ensured with the help of cybersecurity professionals and all required resources. 

Cybercrime Units Empowered to Track and Arrest Social Media Offenders

Anywhere in the nation, the cybercrime units running under the federal government could execute raids and arrest suspects. Finding the creators of malicious or fraudulent accounts on social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram was their main duty. The groups would have to figure out how to access certain social media accounts.

A day before this, police filed an FIR against 12 people they said were posting slanderous and offensive content on social media, attacking government organizations, and messing up public order.

Individuals from Swat, Sanghar, Quetta, Pishin, and Qila Abdullah were among the suspects, according to sources within the security apparatus. Through offensive and damaging social media posts, they were reportedly encouraging rebellion and undermining the government’s work. 

The federal government took action against the dissemination of false news and other unlawful content by amending the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) on December 3.

A suggested draft listed 16 types of illegal content, such as fake news, content that promotes hatred against government institutions, and content that spreads fear and panic.

Under the new rules, offenders might be fined up to Rs1 million or sent to jail for up to five years. In order to regulate content, the plan also proposed creating a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA). Eleven people, including a chairperson, would make up the authority.