Govt forms cyber monitoring team to curb hate speech in Muharram

In a proactive step to ensure peace and communal harmony during Muharram, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has formed a special monitoring team to block hateful, sectarian, and inflammatory content circulating on social media platforms.

The formation of the 18-member team came under the special directives of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and on the instructions of Director General NCCIA Waqaruddin Syed. 

According to an official notification, the team comprises senior officers from NCCIA headquarters, led by Additional Director Ayaz Khan, with Deputy Director Ikram Mughal serving as the convener.

The NCCIA stated that the team’s primary objective is to curb online hate speech, sectarian propaganda, and misinformation, especially during the sensitive days of Muharram, to protect national unity and religious harmony.

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The cyber monitoring team will observe major social media platforms, including Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube, on a daily basis. Special attention will be paid to posts that could incite sectarian violence or disrupt public order.

Additionally, the team will monitor the dark web to detect any cyber threats or illegal online activities.

Clear criteria has been established to identify, report, and act upon content that promotes hate, misinformation, or communal discord. The team is required to submit daily performance reports to the Additional Director (Operations) to ensure swift response and necessary action against offenders.

A Home Department spokesperson emphasised that this initiative aims to uphold the sanctity of Muharram and prevent any attempt to destabilise peace through digital platforms. Authorities have urged citizens to report any suspicious or harmful content and cooperate in preserving social cohesion during this important time.