Federal Government Blocks 80,000 Mobile SIMs to Combat Fake News Spread
Islamabad:In a bid to curb the spread of fake news, the federal government has blocked **80,000 mobile phone SIM cards** linked to the circulation of misleading and false information. This decision comes as part of a broader effort to address the growing challenge of misinformation on social media platforms.
In response to a *National Assembly’s call attention notice* regarding the issue of fake news, **Sajid Mehmood**, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Division, revealed that the government had initiated several measures to tackle this growing problem. One of the key steps mentioned was the establishment of a **joint task force**, which has already submitted its report to **Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif** for review.
Sajid Mehmood emphasized the need for amendments to the **Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA)**, stating that these changes were crucial for more effectively dealing with the issue of fake news. He highlighted that the **speedy trial of fake news-related cases** was necessary to address the problem in a timely manner.
Moreover, as part of the initiative to combat fake news and better monitor online activities, the government has taken steps to **register Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)**. This measure aims to improve oversight and reduce the anonymity that facilitates the spread of false information.
The parliamentary secretary also pointed out that a **public awareness campaign** had been launched to inform citizens about the risks and consequences of spreading fake news. These combined efforts, he said, would significantly enhance the government’s ability to combat the problem of fake news on social media and digital platforms.
The federal government’s actions reflect a growing concern over the rapid dissemination of misinformation, which has raised serious questions about its impact on public opinion and national security. By blocking SIM cards linked to fake news, enhancing laws, and increasing online monitoring, the government aims to create a safer and more responsible online environment for citizens.
