Mobile phones have become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives. With nearly everyone owning a smartphone, the ability to capture and share moments instantly is easier than ever. However, this convenience has given rise to a disturbing trend, the violation of personal privacy in public spaces. This issue is particularly prevalent in South Asian societies, including Pakistan, where social norms and digital ethics are still evolving.
Many individuals misuse their mobile phones by recording or photographing people without their consent. Whether in restaurants, parks, shopping malls, or even on the road, it is becoming increasingly common to see personal moments being captured and posted online without permission. In some cases, families spending private time together or individuals engaged in their routine activities find themselves unknowingly filmed. These unauthorised recordings are then shared on social media platforms, often going viral and sparking unwanted attention, ridicule, or even harassment.
Such acts are not only unethical but also constitute a severe breach of privacy. Capturing someone’s image or video without their consent, especially in situations where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, is both morally wrong and legally questionable. While Pakistani law has provisions under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 to address such violations, enforcement remains weak and awareness among the public is low.
People often fail to understand that what may seem like a harmless or humorous video to them could be deeply intrusive and damaging to the person being filmed. Cultural diversity and personal boundaries must be respected. Every individual has a right to live according to their own values and lifestyle without fear of being secretly recorded or publicly shamed.
Moreover, the desire for social media fame often pushes individuals to cross ethical boundaries. Recording someone’s car, bike, or personal property without permission, or making content out of someone’s appearance, behaviour, or attire in public, are all examples of how deeply this issue has seeped into everyday life.
It is time to address this issue with seriousness. Schools, media outlets, and influencers must play a role in promoting digital ethics. People should be educated about the importance of consent, privacy, and respectful content creation. Simultaneously, stricter laws and their effective implementation are needed to deter such acts and protect citizens’ rights.
Qazi Fahad Ahmed
Karachi
