Sindh government announces major move to tackle fake news
New plan to monitor fake news
The Sindh fake news monitoring plan was discussed during a meeting chaired by Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon. The meeting was attended by Information Secretary Kashif Gulzar Shaikh, DG Information Muizzuddin Peerzada and other senior officials.
According to the provincial government, the Sindh government fake news strategy will focus on identifying misleading information and responding to it in a timely manner.
Memon directed the Information Department to introduce an effective system for Sindh fake news monitoring across mainstream and social media platforms.
NCCIA to assist in legal action
The government has also decided to seek assistance from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The move is intended to support NCCIA fake news action against people who create or spread content that may violate the law.
The Information Department was directed to increase coordination with the agency. The NCCIA fake news action will involve legal assistance where complaints or investigations establish that unlawful online activity has taken place.
The NCCIA has recently been involved in cases concerning alleged false or malicious social media content, including a complaint filed by Sharjeel Memon.
Daily monitoring planned
Officials were instructed to carry out daily monitoring of mainstream and social media using modern technology.
The Sindh fake news monitoring system is expected to help officials identify questionable information, verify claims and take timely steps where necessary.
Memon said attempts to harm any person or institution through false and misleading information would not be tolerated, according to the meeting’s statement.
Under the proposed Sindh government fake news approach, officials will focus not only on identifying false information but also on improving communication with the public.
Focus on government narrative
The Information Department was also asked to develop a broader media strategy. Officials were told to promote what the provincial government described as a positive and constructive narrative.
The Sindh government fake news plan will therefore include both monitoring online information and communicating the government’s position through modern media platforms.
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The department was also directed to involve representatives from different sections of society in government communication.
Stronger cooperation with cybercrime agency
The proposed NCCIA fake news action is expected to increase cooperation between the Information Department and the cybercrime agency.
The government wants the NCCIA fake news action mechanism to assist in cases where online content requires legal investigation.
The move comes as the NCCIA continues to expand its work against different forms of cybercrime and online activity. The agency has recently conducted operations against online fraud and illegal call centres.
What happens next?
Officials will now work on the monitoring mechanism and media strategy. The Sindh fake news monitoring system is intended to provide a more organised way to track information circulating online.
The government’s approach also depends on coordination between the Information Department and NCCIA. If implemented, NCCIA fake news action could become part of the process for dealing with cases requiring legal intervention.
