Cyber Patrolling Report Highlights Misuse of Social Media for Anti-State Propaganda and Sectarianism
A recent cyber patrolling report by law enforcement agencies has revealed the negative exploitation of social media to promote anti-state narratives and sectarian unrest.
Covering the past 20 days, the report identified 19 trends fueling propaganda and inciting sectarian violence. Key focus areas of the propaganda included the Parachinar incident and the country’s foreign policy.
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Key Findings
- Foreign Influence: Accounts responsible for these trends were traced to foreign locations, raising concerns about external interference.
- Anonymous Operations: Six trends anonymously targeted Pakistan’s foreign policy, promoting civil disobedience and exploiting political divides.
- Sectarian Propaganda: Thirteen trends sought to incite sectarian riots, primarily focusing on the Parachinar incident.
Websites and Social Media Accounts
The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) identified:
- 42,848 websites hosting controversial content.
- 11,132 websites previously blocked by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) last year.
- 2,197 accounts actively spreading provocative material.
Additionally, authorities received an average of 366 daily reports of harmful social media activity.
Authorities emphasized the need for stricter social media monitoring to prevent the misuse of platforms and maintain societal harmony. Enhanced vigilance is required to curb the dissemination of content aimed at destabilizing the country.
This report underscores the critical role of digital platforms in shaping public discourse and the importance of countering harmful narratives effectively.
