Tech Desk 
Dec 12, 2024
In another spell to suppress individuals involved in disseminating maligning information on the internet, the federal government has blocked around 80,000 mobile SIM cards.
Bringing the matter to the attention of the National Assembly on Wednesday, the Cabinet Division Parliamentary Secretary Sajid Mehdi maintained that the government has taken various measures aimed at curtailing the spread of fake news on social media platforms.
The secretary delivered these remarks while responding to a calling attention notice, referring to fake news on social media platforms, in the assembly.
Mehdi also outlined the formation of a joint task force in this regard, claiming that the force has submitted its report to the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as reported by ProPakistani.
Tweaking the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, is imperative to address such issues more efficiently, which he believes are crucial for expeditious trial of cases to curb anti-state narratives and fake news.
VPN registration in Pakistan
He also stressed the registration of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which will amplify the prevention of disinformation and ensure better monitoring of online activities.
The secretary expressed confidence regarding these measures' impact on serving the purpose in question, pointing to an awareness campaign the government launched to familiarise citizens with the risks and consequences of spreading fake news.
