Government to hunt down fake news propagators, troll cells

ISLAMABAD: In the aftermath of the recent violent protests organised by Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), the government has decided to deal with the repeated organised disinformation campaigns with an iron hand with a special emphasis on targeting the “troll cells”, sources said.

On the other hand, those involved in this criminal practice would face additional punishment in emergency situations as authorities have asked the people to report fake news on 1919 — an official helpline.

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Meanwhile, state of affairs in Pakistan has reached a point where Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry received hundreds of threatening messages after he questioned the reasoning behind the TLP protests.

As disinformation spread like a wildfire through social media in recent days, the government managed to expose the network behind the practice and prepared a list of main characters.

However, the planned crackdown may not remain limited to the TLP as the unchecked propagation of fake news through disinformation and lies has become a grave challenge at a time when Pakistan is dealing with the challenge of terrorism while some elements within the country want political destabilisation.

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As far as the latest TLP episode is concerned, the sources said those sharing fake news and disinformation during these protests would have face cases which the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) is going to register.

In this connections, authorities are already analysing the bogus videos and audios as well as those the content produced through deep fake.

TROLL CELLS

One significant feature of the planned action is the targeted operation against the misleading/deceptive hashtags and troll cells — also known as troll farms.

These troll cells are replicating the tactics used by far-right forces around the world. Social media usage by Hindu nationalist BJP led by Narendra Modi is the prime example of how dangerous and “effective” propaganda can be.

Meanwhile, authorities have also directed TV channels and bloggers to air the news only after employing the basic principle of double confirmation.

But one of the biggest challenge is how to tackle the troll cells and their masterminds operating from abroad. And for this purpose, the government legal wizards are working on finalising a strategy to launch inquiry as well as formulating legal and diplomatic actions against the elements sitting outside Pakistan.

At the same time, the sources say authorities are also set to go after those providing finances to the run the fake news business while checking the dubious transactions.

SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

It is said that the authorities will register cases under PECA (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act) against those involved in promoting fake news with the FIA Cyber Crime and special units expected to make arrests soon.

On the other hand, the government has directed different social media platforms while issuing notices to remove fabricated material within 24 hours.

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At the same time, officials have warned that the citizens sharing fake news and disinformation will also face strict action.

ZERO TOLERANCE

Amid the confusion created in the backdrop of ongoing operations against the terrorist organisations operating from Afghanistan and backed by India, the state security apparatus has been facing a smear campaign despite the sacrifices law enforcers and military men are rendering.

That’s why the government has decided to adopt zero-tolerance policy for the hate campaign against the state institutions.

Recent aggression by the Afghan Taliban and other Afghanistan-based terrorists groups is an example as some elements with a particular political leaning openly supported those attacking Pakistan under one pretext or the other.