Overwhelming digitalization exerts its influence on the way information is disseminated around which also results in issues like spread of misinformation. The reason could be the unbridled use of social media for spreading propaganda as well as fake news, without the fear of any consequences. In an era, where information is just a click away, Pakistan finds itself into a position, where it confronts a technologically savvy fore, which is proficient in the spread of misinformation across all online platforms, mainstream media and digital media platforms. Disinformation is also rampant in the country, where social media trolls hurts baseless allegations against state institutions and personalities, using online media platforms.
Pakistan has been a target of misinformation campaigns launched from within and outside. One such incidents is the exposure of the Disinfo Lab operated and controlled by India that was exposed, and found to have been running a smear campaign against Pakistan at the international level. The consequences of such campaigns are dire, posing a significant threat to state institutions and social fabric of the society.
Propaganda, fake news and misinformation about the facts have the potential to polarize the public opinion particularly about the state and its affairs. Misinformation, often disguised as a factual information is deliberately spread across different platforms that can manipulate the opinion of the people and breed specific agendas. In Pakistan, this issue has reached to an alarming level where various actors have used social and digital media platforms to spread false news about the state and its institutions. From fabricated narratives about the state operations to rumors that have the potential to incite violence and extremism, the impact of disseminating false news has been devastating for a fragile economy like Pakistan. It can also result in the people losing their faith in the institutions of the country and its future. Likewise, people are using social media platforms to spread hate against the Pakistan’s Armed Forces. On 2nd May, 2024, Army Chief asserted the adherence to the limits of freedom of expression are essential in safeguarding the country’s interests, foreign policy dictates and for maintenance of cordial relations with friendly and neighbouring countries. The speech of Army Chief serves as a rebuke to extremist political and journalistic groups, who have been misusing the liberties for their petty political gains and consequently endangering the national interests. The Army Chief warned all against using freedom of expression as a pretext to levy unfounded allegations against state institutions and officials. He reiterated that while freedom of expression remains essential, it must be exercised responsibly within the confines of the law.
The role of Government institutions, media houses as gatekeepers of news, and civil society remain crucial in tackling such issues. Although freedom of expression is a vital ingredient of the society, it is equally important that information be dispersed in its true spirit and be balanced with responsibility to ensure that the information is true and accurate. Many actions of the world have already recognized the gravity of this situation, coming up with rules and regulations to address the issue. For instance, in 2017, the “Network Enforcement Act” in Germany was passed with the aim of curbing hate crime, misinformation, and fake news through online media. The “Network Enforcement Act” was enforced in the United Kingdom in 2017 to tackle the misuse of online forums. There are many other countries that have followed the suit and ensured that any such actions committed by anyone remain punishable by law. With implementation of such rules, there has been a sizeable reduction in the number of incidents, where online media and social networking sites are being used to spread misinformation. Many other countries have also adopted a multi-pronged approach to tackle the menace of misinformation by introducing the fact-checking initiatives on social media and digital media platforms, to counter spread of online misinformation.
In Pakistan, one such initiative taken by the Government was the introduction of “Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016” under which any person found to be in breach of the Act and spreading misinformation would be taken into account through judicial actions. Other legislations include the “E-Safety Bill 2023” and the “Personal Data Protection Bill-2023,” as expansion of the ways in which the Government has taken initiatives to contain the cyber activities and control of misinformation in the country. Although there are sufficient regulations present in the country, there is still a dire need to develop a robust mechanism for detecting and removing false content from social media platforms. While legislations plays a key role in providing legal framework in addressing the issues like spreading of misinformation online, the rules should also guarantee the fundamental rights of the people and freedom of expression of the press. Thus exists a requirement to promote transparency and accountability, while using online forums for disseminating the news.
Furthermore, there is a need to enhance digital literacy and promotion of responsible use of online forums while accessing and distributing information online. Mechanisms that ensure that the sources of news are verified before they are published are of dire importance to contain misinformation on digital platforms. Combating the spread of misinformation requires a concerted effort from the stakeholders including state institutions, media houses, civil society and social and digital media companies. By inculcating the culture of trust and accountability, Pakistan will not only curb on the spread of misinformation both domestically and on international forums, but at the same time, will ensure that the people are equipped with the true facts in the digital age. Failure to implement these actions can result in spread of misinformation, and erosion of trust on the state institutions and bringing social unrest in the country.
