Tarar calls for stronger digital media regulation, AI labelling to combat misinformation

ISLAMABAD, Nov 05 (APP):Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Thursday stressed the need for a comprehensive regulatory and legal framework for social media platforms, mandatory labelling of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content and enhanced public awareness to effectively counter misinformation and disinformation.

Addressing the 29th Sustainable Development Conference (SDC), organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), under the theme “Rethinking Development in Post-truth Era,” the minister said fake and unverified news had emerged as one of the biggest challenges of the modern era, requiring collective efforts by the government, media organisations, social media platforms and civil society.

He said sustainable development was aimed at ensuring a better future for both present and coming generations, adding that the government was working with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to achieve development goals.

Referring to the experience of Marka-e-Haq, the minister said Pakistan had demonstrated national unity and responsible use of media, with journalists, social media users, young people and all segments of society playing their role in countering misinformation.

He said India had circulated false and fabricated information before, during and after the conflict, but Pakistan responded by presenting verified information supported by evidence, including video footage and credible sources.

“The most important thing during Marka-e-Haq was that the entire nation remained united, and every segment of society, including the media, social media users and youngsters, acted responsibly,” he said.

Tarar particularly appreciated the role of Generation Z, saying young Pakistanis had demonstrated remarkable digital media skills and helped expose misleading claims circulating in Indian media.

He emphasised that the dissemination of information was less important than its verification, adding that a coordinated mechanism was essential to ensure that information reaching the public was authentic and evidence-based.

The minister said electronic media had an established editorial and regulatory system, whereas social media required a more robust regulatory framework to address the growing challenges of misinformation, disinformation and digitally fabricated content.

He called for improved coordination with social media platforms and stronger internal fact-checking mechanisms, including AI labelling of artificially generated content. Citing TikTok, he said the platform had introduced AI-content labelling, while X’s Community Notes feature helped users identify misleading or outdated material.

He said capacity-building and specialised training modules were needed across society, particularly for journalists, media professionals and students of mass communication and digital media. The government was also working with educational institutions, including the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), to promote relevant collaboration.

The minister said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had established Pakistan’s first Digital Communication Department after changing its rules of business. The department had brought together specialists, including graphic designers, video editors, content creators and scriptwriters, to ensure the delivery of verified information to the right audience through appropriate digital platforms.

He said communication strategies needed to be tailored to individual platforms, as content suitable for TikTok might not be appropriate for Instagram, Facebook or X.

Referring to crisis communication, Tarar said verified information should be released in a gradual and coordinated manner to prevent panic while keeping the public informed about developing events. He stressed coordination among government institutions, media houses and social media platforms in ensuring timely and accurate communication.

On cybercrime, he said the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had been established to address offences committed in the digital space, with regional offices being set up and personnel receiving training.

He said the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) provided the legal basis for dealing with cyber offences, including online harassment, blackmailing, threats and child abuse-related crimes.

The minister stressed the need to create awareness, particularly among marginalised groups and women, about available complaint mechanisms and legal remedies against online harassment and exploitation.

He also called for psychological support and counselling facilities for victims of online blackmailing and misuse of private images, saying the focus should remain on bringing perpetrators to justice rather than justifying their actions.

Tarar said the government was committed to strengthening laws to prevent digital crimes and ensuring that victims could seek protection and redressal through relevant institutions.

He also proposed an international convention, supported by a global organisation, to address the harmful use of artificial intelligence and curb misinformation, disinformation and fabricated content.

He said the misuse of AI was not only threatening the credibility of information but also affecting creative industries, putting the livelihoods of professionals involved in advertising, filmmaking, modelling and content production at risk.

Stressing the importance of human involvement in creative work, he said AI-related challenges required a combination of technological safeguards, labelling requirements, regulatory measures and an international legal framework.

Clarifying the scope of PECA, the minister said the law was exclusively intended to prevent electronic crimes and was not aimed at restricting freedom of expression or obstructing journalists from performing their professional duties.

He said freedom of expression was a constitutional right subject to certain conditions and could not be used as a pretext to threaten or harm others.

He added that existing institutions, including PEMRA and other relevant regulatory bodies, dealt with their respective areas, while PECA addressed crimes committed in cyberspace.

The minister said there should be no double jeopardy for the same offence, explaining that the relevant regulatory authority would deal with matters falling within its jurisdiction.

He also condemned those defending rape and harassment, stressing that victims deserved protection, support and justice, while perpetrators must be held accountable under the law.

Tarar said stronger enforcement, effective prosecution and public awareness were essential to making digital spaces safer, particularly for women and vulnerable sections of society.