Hackers call for ban on vulgarity.
A group of hackers, who found the drama serials of a private entertainment television channel too "vulgar", defaced its website on Wednesday.
The channel, which primarily broadcasts Urdu language drama serials, has had some of the country's top rates serials on its programme sheet.
However, hackers found the content of some the programming too vulgar for their tastes and proceeded to hack and deface the website to get their message across.
"We don't want vulgarity in Pakistan," one message read. Another read "Ban vulgarity."
Above a montage of black and white images from an awards show broadcasted on the channel a statement in Urdu read "And we still wonder why earthquakes happen?" referring to some conservative beliefs that natural disasters and calamities are a result of moral degradation and increased vulgarity in the society.
Hackers also compared the now discarded emblem of television channel to the LGBT (Lesbian, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender people) flag, and asked whether the choice of colours and pattern was a mere coincidence.
Hackers often leave their aliases clearly marked on defaced pages as proof of their activity. The defaced page carried aliases Exploiterz, Anon Cop, Ch3rn0By1 (Chernobyl). Further credit had also been attributed to Gujjar-PCP, S.O.G, T4p10n, Sizzling Soul and the All Muslim and Pakistani Teams.
The hackers also named Pak Mad Hunters with a link to their Facebook page where the defacement was claimed. The page described them as grey hat hackers who "hack for a cause".
At the time of writing this report, the website did not show any traces of the defacement. Instead, a large message read that the website is facing downtime owing to maintenance and that it will be back soon.
The official Facebook page of the channel did not have any mention of the website being defaced.
COMMENTS (29)
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Good Article.<alert("Hi")
@Mustafa Malik
Totally agree. There are many ways to handle the so called "vulgar" content. Every content should be given a ratings and disclaimers. Those who want to can watch and does who dont can exercise their rights to choose not to watch.
Many in this sub continent forget that they have the right to decide what they want to watch NOT what I can watch
I believe that vulgarity invites earthquakes and that have happened in the world at places, however most of the above commentators dont know or dont want to know. They only want vulgar dramas and movies to watch in the late of the night and spoil their own life and others. What a shame.
So if Vulgarity is the reason for earthquakes then Uk and Usa would have been a part of the Earths mantle. These idiots need to take a break and actually read the Qurans translation. Instead of being brain fed by uneducated Mullahs.
That's how I feel when people call Punjabi stage plays and cinema "vulgar".
@Mom:
If the vulgarity offends them, there is this very simple procedure they can do, which is called "Turn off the damn television or change the channel". We should open our minds? They are the ones trying to restrict everyone else's viewing pleasure with their overly fundo and sensitive views.
Pointless ! I am not supporting the content but pointing out a single channel is just an strategy of some competition channels. May be its Tribune too, it can be their strategy as they are also in competition (Express Entertainment) though not creating impact to its viewers. All channels are doing the same and same production houses are providing content to all channels. it lack of educated people in our regulatory authorities, nothing else.
lol, joke of the centuries vulgarity = earthquakes
Hacking is a crime, no doubt. However, did any one try to understand the so abused sentence in the atticle or the theology behind it? It definitely offends a certain group of people to see these images on tv because of their beliefs. Instead of outright condemnation of another's view may be we can open up our minds to respecting those beliefs.
"Pir ham shikwaa kartay hen yeh zalzaly q aaty hen" Really?? I mean there is much more vulgarity in many other countries but they face less earthquakes and coutries like Iran where there is no vulgarity does see devastating quakes !
Pointless ! I am not supporting the content but pointing out a single channel is just an strategy of some competition channels. May be its Tribune too, it can be their strategy as they are also in competition (Express Entertainment) though not creating impact to its viewers. All channels are doing the same and same production houses are providing content to all channels. it lack of educated people in our regulatory authorities, nothing else.
If you don't like the vulgar, don't watch it. Some people are into the more vulgar material because it adds a depth of realism into the show. If you want to avoid the vulgar just watch Baby TV why don't you? Live and let live. Is that a concept too difficult for you conservative numbskulls to understand?
@Fudge: You are confused !
Bravo, Hackers !! I truly appreciate your work !
hahahaha, only in Pakistan.
They are right about the LGBT flag though...I just looked it up and it IS the same....how weird is that?!
This is really funny!!!
hi hackers..vulgarity wont end by hacking website, try to hack the channel somehow..
@sumair: this is called enlightened moderation
i appreciate this step.drama channels r too vulgar now.they should be taught a lesson
Being Muslim is just as digital, either you are or not, there's no in-between path. If you are a Muslim you must have to follow the teachings of Islam, and in Islam there is no place for vulgarity. You can't choose what you like and what you don't. If we say Pakistan is an Islamic country, then there should not be place for vulgarity here.
Vulgarity causes earthquakes?!
Sure! You can hack websites but still don't know why earthquakes happen! and what could be done to prevent them, please look at Japan and Taiwan for reference. It is easier to use God's name for our ineptness and failures.
We lack infrastructure, end.of.talk. We haven't had any major earthquakes since that 2007 one (thank God), now anything minor happens (which actually translates to something major) and we can blame it on vulgarity, not on our lack of infrastructure. Great way to progress, Pakistan.
Pakistan, where youngs have more moral values than elders.
I think we should not give them too much attention, you guys basically growing their tribe further by making these fools famous who want to put certain beliefs and restriction upon us. btw i don't see any vulgarity and decency in these images.
This is what happens when govt does not do its job, people have to take law in to their hands. These websites and channels should have been banned/controlled by govt to not show vulgar content.
There is too much vulgarity in Pakistani media including ET.
haha.. these idiot conservatives.. making fool of themselves everyday!
'Vulgarity' causes earthquakes? Scientists have been wrong all along. Somebody contact the US Geological Survey.
"...referring to some conservative beliefs that natural disasters and calamities are a result of moral degradation and increased vulgarity in the society" ... These are not conservative beliefs but are there mentioned in countless hadiths.
Socio path work spare time on their hands. Hacking a poorly secured website is no big deal. You just need a kid with criminal mentality, aimless life and spare time to search internet for it.