In the ever-evolving dynamics of global media and technology, a disturbing trend has emerged – one where the powerful figures of Silicon Valley and political elites manipulate narratives to serve their agendas. This growing influence of right-wing authoritarianism, particularly through platforms like Meta (formerly Facebook) and X (formerly Twitter), is reshaping how we engage with truth, fact-checking and ultimately, public discourse. Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk and Donald Trump are at the forefront of this wave, wielding their influence to push a divisive and often misleading narrative that harms marginalized communities including the Pakistani diaspora in the UK. The latest moves from these tech moguls reveal a clear double standard in how they handle controversial issues, particularly in the context of Muslim communities. The Pakistani diaspora in the UK, despite being a minority group that makes up only about 2 percent of the population, is often unfairly targeted and blamed for issues that are not representative of the broader population. Astonishingly, discussions around grooming gangs – an issue that undeniably warrants attention – frequently overlook the fact that the majority of those involved in such crimes are not Pakistanis but rather predominantly white individuals, comprising about 85 percent of the perpetrators. Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg are arguably the prime movers in this false narrative. In times when external forces aim to divide and weaken the community, it is more important than ever for the diaspora to stand together, not fall prey to divisive political agendas. Their tech platforms have become hotbeds for amplifying misinformation, driving narratives that single out Muslims and Pakistanis while seamlessly ignoring the facts. These platforms are not only amplifying anti-Pakistani sentiment but are also enabling far-right groups to gain traction further fueling Islamophobia and racial bias. The more these tech giants shift their policies to appease political power and financial interests, the more they abandon any sense of accountability or factual accuracy. Zuckerberg’s recent shift with Meta exemplifies how powerful platforms can dismantle accountability measures such as fact-checking. In prioritizing political power over truth, Meta has allowed harmful disinformation to spread freely which further polarizes communities. This kind of misinformation has real-world consequences, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and creating divisions within society that benefit those with authoritarian leanings. Zuckerberg’s actions are not isolated, as Musk’s takeover of X has similarly demonstrated how platforms can be weaponized to attack critics and destabilize democratic systems. Rather than upholding principles of free speech and truth, these platforms have become tools for manipulation and control. The impact of such manipulations on the Pakistani diaspora is undeniable. As narratives surrounding grooming gangs increasingly focus on Pakistanis, the Pakistani community in the UK finds itself unfairly vilified. However, the evidence shows that the overwhelming majority of grooming gang perpetrators are from other backgrounds, yet these facts are conveniently ignored in favour of a narrative that suits political and racial agendas. This is not just an issue of media bias but a reflection of a deeper, more insidious effort to exploit weaknesses within diaspora communities. In times when external forces aim to divide and weaken the community, it is more important than ever for the diaspora to stand together, not fall prey to divisive political agendas. Furthermore, the double standards of Western powers become even more apparent when we consider how controversial figures like Moeed Pirzada, Shahzad Akbar, and Shahbaz Gill – Pakistani vloggers and political analysts – are sheltered in the US despite their open criticism of Pakistan. These individuals exemplify how Western nations support certain figures while simultaneously targeting others within the same diaspora. This blatant hypocrisy highlights the broader geopolitical strategies at play, which often seek to undermine the unity and reputation of diaspora communities for strategic purposes. In these challenging times, the Pakistani diaspora must resist falling into the traps set by divisive forces. Unity is their most powerful tool against the false narratives that seek to tarnish their reputation. They must align with Pakistan’s efforts to combat these harmful stereotypes and strengthen their collective identity in the face of such adversity. Pakistan’s government remains unwavering in its support for the diaspora, emphasizing that their collective strength is the key to resisting the targeted campaigns and disinformation that seek to divide them. In conclusion, the growing influence of right-wing authoritarianism on global media and technology platforms is threatening to destabilize democratic systems and undermine truth. In this chaotic environment, the Pakistani diaspora faces the dual challenge of combating false narratives and preserving their unity. Only through collective strength, solidarity, and a commitment to truth can they counter these divisive forces and protect their reputation in the global arena. The writer is a graduate of QAU, PhD scholar and a freelance writer and can be reached at fa7263125@gmail.com