The Pakistani government has stepped up efforts to fight the spread of fake news by blocking around 80,000 SIM cards linked to the distribution of false information.
This was revealed by Sajid Mehdi, the Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Division, during a session in the National Assembly. He addressed concerns about the growing issue of misinformation on social media platforms.
To tackle this problem, the government has introduced several initiatives. A joint task force has been created to address fake news, and its findings have been submitted to the Prime Minister for further action.
In addition, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 is set to be revised. The changes aim to speed up legal proceedings in cases involving the spread of fake news.
The government is also improving its ability to monitor online activities by registering Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). This step is intended to prevent misuse of the internet and help track the sources of misinformation.
To raise awareness, an educational campaign has been launched to inform the public about the risks and consequences of spreading false information.
These measures reflect the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by fake news and ensuring that social media platforms are used responsibly. By taking these steps, Pakistan hopes to reduce the impact of misinformation on society and promote a more informed digital environment.
