Youths at risk from cyberbullying epidemic

In the contemporary era, where fame often hinges on one’s social media following, Pakistan has risen as a key player, boasting a staggering 72 million internet users. However, this expanding accessibility to free social media platforms has given rise to substantial concerns surrounding electronic security.

Pakistan ranks as the 5th largest mobile phone market in Asia. Internet regulation falls under the jurisdiction of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Data from these authorities highlight alarming issues within our society, ranging from privacy breaches and disagreements to political rivalries, disinformation, and the targeting of religious and gender minorities.

The UN Broadband Commission for Digital Development Working Group on Broadband And Gender defines cyber violence against women, encompassing hate speech, publishing blasphemous content, hacking, intercepting private communications, identity theft, online stalking (criminal harassment), and uttering threats, which can even lead to convincing a target to end their own life.

It is crucial to acknowledge the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which recognises online intimidation, threats, privacy breaches, and identity theft against vulnerable groups, primarily women.

In 2020, the FIA's cybercrime wing received over 85,000 complaints, primarily concerning financial fraud, fake profiles, identity theft, defamation, hate speech, cyber harassment threats, and cyber blackmail. According to the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), they report over 146 monthly calls to their cyber harassment helpline, with 57 per cent of the complaints coming from women while 30 per cent come from men.

Punjab accounts for 57 per cent of the reported cases, followed by Sindh with 15 per cent. The most concerning aspect of the DRF's report is the age group between 21 and 25, with the majority of victims falling in the youth segment.

The exponential spike in cyber-harassment cases was noted with the advent of the coronavirus pandemic and increased internet accessibility.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 12^th, 2023.