Journalism vs. Fake News

The rapid transformation of digital landscapes has rendered the necessity of robust cybercrime legislation indispensable for nation-states. Yet, the struggle to construct comprehensive laws that effectively counter emerging cyber threats remains a global challenge. Pakistan, in its legislative evolution, transitioned from the Electronic Transactions Ordinance (ETO) of 2002 to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) of 2016. While ETO addressed unauthorized access to information, PECA expanded its ambit to encompass cyberstalking, online harassment, and identity theft. However, the absence of a dedicated data protection law and the presence of legal loopholes continue to hinder effective regulation. Compounded by the increasing misuse of digital platforms for propaganda, misinformation, and psychological operations (psyops), the imperative for stringent cyber legislation has never been more pronounced.

The ascendance of social media has undeniably revolutionized communication, yet it has concurrently served as a battleground for information warfare. In Pakistan, platforms such as Facebook, X and Instagram have become conduits for political, ideological, and economic narratives, frequently manipulated by malicious actors, including foreign entities and extremist factions. Groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) exploit these digital forums to recruit members, propagate anti-state rhetoric, and incite unrest. The prevalence of deepfakes, bot-driven trends, and fabricated news further exacerbates this phenomenon, making the differentiation between fact and fiction increasingly challenging. This unchecked spread of misinformation has had far-reaching consequences, influencing electoral processes, deteriorating civil-military relations, and undermining national security. In response, policymakers advocate for enhanced regulatory mechanisms to establish a balance between national security imperatives and fundamental freedoms.

Pakistan’s youth, a demographic constituting a significant proportion of the population, is particularly vulnerable to the perils of digital manipulation. A 2023 “Digital Habits of Pakistani Youth” report by Bytes for All revealed that over 60% of young users felt inundated by conflicting online narratives, indicating the profound psychological toll of social media misinformation. Extremist organizations leverage emotionally charged content to radicalize individuals, while fraudulent job advertisements and fabricated educational reforms further erode confidence in reliable information sources. According to a 2021 Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies survey, 45% of youth encountered extremist content on digital platforms, underscoring the widespread nature of ideological indoctrination. This relentless cycle of misinformation fosters disillusionment, mental health challenges, and diminished civic engagement. To mitigate this crisis, comprehensive digital literacy programs, stringent content moderation policies, and targeted interventions to counteract psyops must be instituted.

The proliferation of international lobbying firms and diaspora groups engaged in disseminating disinformation has exacerbated Pakistan’s global image challenges. A 2021 EU DisinfoLab report uncovered a coordinated network of over 750 fake media outlets across 116 countries, many of which were engaged in promoting anti-state narratives about Pakistan. These campaigns, often funded by state and non-state actors, leverage manipulated hashtags, bot networks, and paid advertisements to distort facts, impacting Pakistan’s diplomatic and economic engagements. Beyond social media, these disinformation efforts influence policy decisions in global institutions, further complicating Pakistan’s international standing. Countermeasures necessitate a multi-faceted approach, incorporating proactive digital diplomacy, engagement with international regulatory bodies, and the establishment of independent fact-checking institutions. Legislative frameworks such as Germany’s NetzDG law and Singapore’s Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) offer viable models for Pakistan to emulate in combating online disinformation effectively.

The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Bill 2025 introduces stringent measures to curb the dissemination of false information, prescribing a three-year imprisonment term and a fine of two million rupees for offenders. The bill criminalizes defamation targeting the judiciary and armed forces, character assassination, and blackmail, ensuring expeditious legal recourse through specialized investigative agencies and social media protection tribunals. Critics argue that such measures infringe upon free speech; however, proponents underscore the necessity of regulating misinformation in an era where fabricated news has wreaked havoc on societal stability. The notion that unrestricted defamation equates to free speech is fundamentally flawed—no nation permits unbridled slander under the pretense of expression. Given the deleterious impact of false information on governance and national stability, the penalties under PECA should be further reinforced. The government must remain steadfast against external pressures and prioritize national security by instituting stringent cybercrime regulations. Misinformation, psychological warfare, and cyberterrorism constitute existential threats to Pakistan’s sovereignty, necessitating decisive legislative interventions to safeguard digital integrity and social cohesion.

It is also important to consider the concerns of mainstream media and journalist communities. The unchecked expansion of social media has contributed to the spread of misinformation, posing challenges for traditional journalism. The rapid circulation of unverified content can sometimes overshadow fact-based reporting, affecting public discourse. Distinguishing between social media-driven narratives and credible journalism is key to maintaining the reliability of news. Encouraging cooperation between regulatory bodies and journalist associations can help promote ethical standards for digital content. Addressing these issues will not only ease concerns about PECA but also reinforce the role of mainstream media in upholding responsible journalism and democratic accountability.

Omay Aimen
The writer frequently contributes to issues concerning national and regional security, focusing on matters having a critical impact on these milieus. She can be reached at omay aimen333@gmail.com