Daily Times

Social media has become an important phenomenon that appeals to a wide audience, especially youth. Many users find it to be a compelling platform because of its capacity to offer rapid access to information, enhance interpersonal interactions, and foster relationships and enterprises. However, people with malicious intent, such as terrorists and criminals, might abuse social media’s benefits. These actors exploit this platform to commit several crimes that could endanger national security.

Pakistan has seen an alarming increase in the detrimental effects of social media on its security landscape in recent months. Although social media sites like Facebook and Twitter promote public dialogue, they also act as conduits for propaganda, false information, and extremist views that have the potential to destabilise the country. The rapid dissemination of misleading information has the potential to incite violence, create division, and erode trust in important institutions.

These social forums are used by extremist organisations like Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) to recruit members, promote violence, and spread terror among the general public. Social media can be used as a weapon to undermine national security, as evidenced by recent reports showing that many Twitter accounts are actively participating in campaigns against the Pakistan Army. This kind of manipulation has the potential to skew public opinion and foster an atmosphere that encourages instability.

Allah advises in Surah Al-Hujurat, “O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become regretful for what you have done.”

Misinformation campaigns on social media could be used by adversaries to damage Pakistan’s standing abroad, particularly on important occasions. Through polarising content, these strategies seek to worsen internal divisions in addition to undermining Pakistan’s reputation internationally.

It is crucial to take the Quran’s teachings into account in this situation. Allah advises, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6) “O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become regretful for what you have done.”This verse highlights how important it is to confirm information before disseminating it, particularly at a time when false information can spread quickly.

Recent events have highlighted the government’s efforts to address this growing issue. On December 1, 2024, the interior ministry accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), of launching a “planned and coordinated massive propaganda” campaign in response to a protest that took place on November 24 to 27. The government accused PTI of fabricating claims that law enforcement had killed protesters by using old and artificial intelligence-generated photos.

A Joint Task Force (JTF) was created in response to look into and combat the dissemination of false information about the state and its security personnel.

Twelve people have also been named by investigators in connection with spreading misleading information on social media. These people are being sued for their role in disseminating content that could promote unrest and threaten the authority of the government. This reaction is indicative of a rising recognition that misinformation poses a significant threat to national security.

Significant reforms to Pakistan’s social media regulations are required to adequately handle these issues. To stop harmful content from spreading, it is crucial to set clear rules for content control and make sure local laws are followed. Promoting digital literacy among citizens would also enable them to distinguish between reliable and misleading information.

To promote critical thinking and well-informed conversations, educational programmes that attempt to increase awareness of the dangers of false information can be very beneficial. The detrimental effects of social media on national security can be reduced in Pakistan by promoting a culture of scepticism towards unverified information.

Legislators must act swiftly to enact thorough laws that guard against false information and promote a safer online environment. By doing this, Pakistan can reduce the dangers that contemporary communication technologies present without endangering its national security.

The writer is a freelance Content Writer & Columnist. She can be reached at: rakhshandamehtab@gmail.com