Information Minister Attaullah Tarar Calls for Social Media Regulation and Fact-Checking

Summary: Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar has called for introducing an effective regulatory framework for social media, a strong fact-checking system and specialised education for digital media, calling the spread of fake news and unverified information a major challenge of the modern era. He also highlighted the establishment of Pakistan’s first Digital Communication Department and the role of NCCIA in dealing with cybercrimes.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said that to stop the spread of fake news and unverified information, there is a need to strengthen the fact-checking system on social media, promote digital media education and have an effective regulatory framework.

Addressing a seminar, he said that in the digital era, public awareness alone is not enough, but people also need to be trained to verify information and pass it on to others responsibly.

Attaullah Tarar said that now everyone who has a camera can play the role of a broadcaster to some extent. In such situations, it is important that social media users understand the basic principles of preparing, verifying and publishing information.

He said that haste in releasing information related to any incident should be avoided. Details should be brought to the public only after verifying the facts and consulting the relevant institutions so that unnecessary fear and chaos are not created.

The federal minister also suggested introducing special courses in journalism and digital media in universities. According to him, fact checking, information verification and the role of social media algorithms should be given special importance in these courses.

He said that educational institutions, media organisations, government agencies and social media platforms will have to make joint efforts to prevent fake news. Fact checking should be made a basic component in digital journalism education.

Attaullah Tarar said that amendments have been made to the rules and regulations to expand the digital role of the Ministry of Information, while Pakistan’s first digital communication department has also been established.

According to him, this department includes graphic designers, video editors, content creators, script writers and information verification experts. Its main objective is to ensure the pre-verification and accurate delivery of information to the public.

The Information Minister also stressed the need for responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). He said that technology has become a part of every sphere of life; therefore, effective measures are necessary for its positive use and prevention of the spread of misinformation.

He said that regulatory systems and monitoring mechanisms were introduced for electronic media in the past; similarly, there should be an appropriate regulatory framework to deal with the challenges related to social media.

Attaullah Tarar, while mentioning online harassment and cybercrimes, said that incidents of harassment of women on social media are a cause for concern. He termed the establishment of the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) as important to deal with such crimes.

He said that the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PEC) was made to prevent electronic and cyber crimes. According to him, the purpose of this law is not to restrict journalistic freedom but to deal with crimes committed through digital platforms.

The Federal Minister also appreciated the role of Pakistani media in combating fake news. He said that Pakistani media institutions played a responsible role in combating the alleged fake news spread by the Indian media, while the younger generation also demonstrated their skills in the effective use of social media.

He once again emphasised that cooperation between government institutions, media, educational institutions and social media companies must be increased to provide authentic information on digital platforms.