As Pakistanis find new avenues of self-expression and exploration in the digital world — new opportunities for interaction also bring with them new risks. According to a recent report by the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), cases of cyber bullying are on the rise, especially Punjab. All data was provided by Cyber Harassment Helpline, established last year to provide counselling to the victims of online harassment. DRF data indicates that the total number of calls was 535 — with 406 being individual cases. Of the total, 62 percent of the calls were made by women. Facebook proved to be the platform that generated the most complaints of harassment in Pakistan. Most of these have been related to fake profiles, non-consensual use of information, blackmail, unsolicited messages and hacked accounts. Anecdotal evidence, especially from young Pakistani women, suggests that this unwelcome and criminal behaviour is far more commonplace than most people realise. Recently enacted cyber crime legislation, in theory, seeks to address all such harassment in online spaces. Although the FIA’s National Response Centre for Cyber Crime exists, its functionality has been reportedly restricted due to lack of personnel and funds. Although the Cyber Harassment Helpline is a most welcome development — it doesn’t do away with the need to educate the people about their digital rights, as well as the steps to take in case of being harassed online. The DRF report must be taken seriously and steps should be taken to make the FIA’s National Response Centre for Cyber Crime more accessible to those most at risk. Moreover, the scope of that institution must be expanded to include all of Pakistan’s major cities — since internet usage throughout the country is now more or less everywhere. Above all, the authorities — including the PTA and the FIA — must work on proper strategies to tackle safety issues in cyberspace. Hopefully it will not be necessary for the courts to remind the authorities of their tasks in this matter too. *