Pakistan government blocks social media platform X (earlier Twitter) shutting down the VPNs to safeguard new wave misrepresentation. Parliamentary Secretary Sajid Mehdi relayed this to the National Assembly while responding to a call-to-attention notice raised by Asiya Naz Tanoli regarding the burgeoning issue of fake news on social media.
Mehdi added that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) blocked 86000 SIM cards involved in anti-state activities. Part of the government’s effort to fight misinformation is limiting VPNs. Revisions in the Electronic Crimes Act are also in the pipeline to further tighten the noose against fake news.
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As per an order of the Prime Minister, a task force has been established that will work toward removing the malady of fake news and will launch awareness campaigns at universities, colleges, and schools. According to him, Pakistan’s approaches are different in dealing with the issue of fake news at the global level, which is not of much interest but is said to offer more freedom of expression.
Meanwhile, the government has empowered the Cybercrime Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency to take action against crimes on social media. A notification of the Ministry of IT confirmed that the rules of the National Cybercrimes and Investigation Agency have been canceled, and their powers have been reverted to the FIA Cybercrime Wing.