By Maryam Noureen Janjua
Pakistan is grappling with the various challenges including disinformation in the age of digital media. With the increasing use of social media and digital platforms, the spread of false information and the violation of digital rights have become significant concerns. The states must ensure digital rights of the people while simultaneously taking measures to curb disinformation. This is a paradox for the policy makers. Regardless of its delicacy, the states have been taking calculated or strict measures to deny space to fake news.
Disinformation, which includes fake news and propaganda, has become a major issue in Pakistan. Social media platforms, in particular, have been exploited to spread false information and manipulate public opinion. This has led to confusion, polarization, and even violence in some cases. According to an estimate, there are more than 70 million social media users in Pakistan. Besides, there were 111.0 million internet users in Pakistan at the start of 2024. It means that half of Pakistan’s population is vulnerable to disinformation if it lacks a legal framework.
This concern has either led the governments of the recent past to introduce legal measures to fight disinformation. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) is a comprehensive legislation in Pakistan that addresses various aspects of cybercrimes and electronic offenses. The act was aimed to protect the common citizens from electronic fraud, cyberterrorism, hate speech and unauthorized interception of electronic communication. The Government of Pakistan has also constituted a committee to discuss establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority by amending existing laws to promote responsible use of the Internet.
The state laws have been seen as attempts to curb the freedom of expression where many journalistic organizations as well as digital rights organizations have raised their voices against such legal measures. As Pakistan’s record in global media freedom has been the worst, any legal or constitutional debate on media is attributed to the ‘Big Brother’ mantra. The social media trends and mainstream media debates on new laws in Pakistan are critical but without any policy level debate.
The spread of disinformation in Pakistan can be attributed to several factors. Many social media users across the world including Pakistan lack the skills to distinguish between credible and false information. Several actors including Political parties often use disinformation to discredit their opponents and sway public opinion. Social media platforms’ algorithms often prioritize sensational and provocative content, which can contribute to the spread of disinformation. Pakistan’s security concerns have been a justification of stringent measures in cyber security.
The rise of the digital age is a political anomaly which requires new solutions to maintain the social order. States are sovereign but the digital age has undermined their sovereignty. Sovereignty refers to a nation’s right to self-governance, free from external interference. In the digital age, sovereignty is often threatened by the global nature of the internet, which knows no borders. Governments and international organizations are grappling with the challenges of regulating online activities, balancing national security with individual freedoms.
The tension between sovereignty and freedom of expression arises when governments seek to regulate online activities to protect national security. This naturally leads to censorship, surveillance, and restrictions on online speech, which can infringe upon individual freedoms. To strike a balance between sovereignty and freedom of expression, governments, corporations, and civil society are yet to find a middle ground. Online regulations and censorship require transparency, accountability and judicial oversight while implementing robust data protection laws to safeguard individual privacy and prevent government abuse.
States are more security conscious about disinformation than the liberal democracies in the west. It’s important to note that the approach to disinformation can vary depending on the country’s political and cultural context. While liberal democracies in the West may prioritize freedom of expression and open communication, countries like Pakistan may have different priorities and concerns when it comes to regulating online content. It’s a complex issue, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But it’s crucial to have open and informed discussions about how to balance security concerns with individual freedoms and rights.
Maryam Noureen is a student of Political Science in Women University Rawalpindi. She can be reached at [email protected]
