Social Media Activists Arrested: FIA Launches Nationwide Campaign Against Misinformation

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested social media activists involved in spreading fake propaganda nationwide. This large-scale crackdown is part of a broader effort to combat misinformation and maintain social harmony.

According to FIA officials, the Cybercrime Wing has spearheaded this operation, resulting in numerous arrests and the registration of multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) across the country.

In Punjab, the FIA Cybercrime Wing has arrested 26 individuals and registered 66 FIRs, with Lahore being a primary focus. Islamabad’s Cybercrime Wing reported registering 51 FIRs, further intensifying its campaign against fake news.

Social Media Activists Arrested: FIA Launches Nationwide Campaign Against Misinformation

The crackdown extended to Multan, where 14 individuals were arrested, and over 30 cases were registered. Karachi reported 16 FIRs, while Sukkur and Hyderabad registered four and five cases, respectively. In Quetta, three FIRs were lodged during the ongoing operation.

In total, 30 individuals have been arrested nationwide for their involvement in spreading false information and engaging in propaganda activities. FIA officials reiterated the significance of combating misinformation to ensure national stability and public trust.

Parallel to the FIA’s actions, Parliamentary Secretary Sajid Mehdi revealed significant measures during a National Assembly session. Responding to a call-to-attention notice by Asiya Naz Tanoli, Mehdi highlighted that 86,000 SIMs had been blocked for their association with anti-state activities.

He acknowledged that the government had temporarily blocked the social media platform X to curb the spread of false information. Further, the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) has been restricted to prevent the dissemination of fake news.

Mehdi emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening cyber regulations, stating that amendments to the Electronic Crimes Act are in progress. These amendments aim to enhance the legal framework for addressing misinformation effectively.

To tackle the issue holistically, a task force has been established under the Prime Minister’s directive. This initiative includes awareness campaigns targeting universities, colleges, and schools to educate the public about the dangers of fake news.

In a significant move, the Ministry of IT issued a notification granting the FIA Cybercrime Wing expanded authority to act against social media crimes. This directive annulled the National Cybercrimes and Investigation Agency’s rules, transferring its powers back to the FIA Cybercrime Wing.

See Also: Pakistan Cracks Down on Terrorist Activity on Social Media

Officials believe this restructuring will streamline efforts to combat cybercrimes, particularly those involving the spread of fake propaganda.

Mehdi contrasted Pakistan’s proactive measures with international practices, noting that many countries grant greater freedom of expression and put less emphasis on curbing fake news. Despite global challenges, he affirmed the government’s resolve to mitigate the impact of misinformation through stringent regulations and public awareness.

This extensive operation and legislative effort underscore Pakistan’s commitment to tackling the growing menace of fake news, ensuring a safer and more informed digital environment for its citizens.