Trends Monitor – Digital Rights Monitor

March 24, 2019

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DRM Exclusive
- News
- Features
- Vodcasts
In Media
- News
- OP-EDs
Editorial
Trends Monitor
Infographics
Resources

DRM Exclusive
- News
- Features
- Vodcasts
In Media
- News
- OP-EDs
Editorial
Trends Monitor
Infographics
Resources

Weekly Analysis Reports

About Digital Rights Monitor

This website reports on digital rights and internet governance issues in Pakistan and collates related resources and publications. The site is a part of Media Matters for Democracy’s Report Digital Rights initiative that aims to improve reporting on digital rights issues through engagement with media outlets and journalists.

About Media Matters for Democracy

Media Matters for Democracy is a Pakistan based not-for-profit geared towards independent journalism and media and digital rights advocacy. Founded by a group of journalists, MMfD works for innovation in media and journalism through the use of technology, research, and advocacy on media and internet related issues. MMfD works to ensure that expression and information rights and freedoms are protected in Pakistan.

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@nuqsh @mmfd_Pak @facebook Exactly, none. Excellent analogy in the @nytimes story: “It’s like having door locks installed, only to find out that the locksmith also gave keys to all of his friends so they can come in and rifle through your stuff without having to ask you for permission” by @ashk4n

1:42 pm · June 4, 2018 ·

Retweeted by MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

Some device makers could retrieve personal information even from users’ friends who believed they had barred any sharing. Most of the partnerships remain in effect, though Facebook began winding them down in April.

1:27 pm · June 4, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

Facebook allowed the device companies access to the data of users’ friends without their explicit consent, even after declaring that it would no longer share such information with outsiders - @nytimesworld nytimes.com/interact…

1:27 pm · June 4, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

Another story of Facebook's unbridled abuse of user data: More than 60 device-makers including Apple were provided access to vast amounts of its users’ personal information by Facebook #DataProtection #ReportDigitalRights #MediaforDemocracy @facebook @privacyint twitter.com/privacyi…

10:43 am · June 4, 2018

@OpenObservatory

#GeneralElections2018: Amidst shrinking online spaces, website of Awami Workers Party blocked in Pakistan digitalrightsmonitor… Research study by @mmfd_Pak's @raza_talal, using OONI data. #Pakistan #Censorship pic.twitter.com/dHLk…

10:23 am · June 4, 2018 ·

Retweeted by MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

#GeneralElections2018: How Pakistani politicians reacted towards the completion of the government tenure on social media digitalrightsmonitor… Writes @AnnamL0dhi #ReportDigitalRights #MediaforDemocracy

8:24 am · June 4, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

@Jomarfarooq @Tooba_Sd @OpenObservatory What network are you on? Often caches accumulate overtime, which may allow the home page to be opened locally. Try clicking a link. Please share more info if you can.

8:41 pm · June 3, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

@desmukh told Digital Rights Monitor that nobody within the party was informed by PTA about the blockage and that the first intimation he received was from a colleague around 5 PM. #GeneralElections2018

6:26 pm · June 3, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

Here's all that you need to know about the blocking of access to @AwamiWorkers. @raza_talal reports for the Digital Rights Monitor. digitalrightsmonitor…

6:26 pm · June 3, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

Blocking of a political party’s website weeks ahead of general elections 2018 is a cause for serious concern. Blocking digital communications of a political party can be detrimental to their campaigning, says @asadbeyg

6:00 pm · June 3, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

Across the world social media and the Internet is being used as a vital part of political campaigning and our regulatory bodies are still stuck in a bygone era where silencing dissent appeared to be a viable course of action, says @nuqsh

6:00 pm · June 3, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

Authorities, especially Election Commission of Pakistan should immediate notice of this action, which can bring the integrity of electoral process in question. Stopping, or forcibly limiting a political party's right to campaign is akin to pre-poll rigging.

6:00 pm · June 3, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

We condemn the blocking of access to the Awami Workers Party's [@AwamiWorkers] website weeks ahead of General Elections 2018, and call upon relevant authorities including the Election Commission of Pakistan to take immediate action. #GeneralElections2018 mediamatters.pk/?p=2…

6:00 pm · June 3, 2018

This is what PTCL had to say about the @AwamiWorkers website not being accessible, while it clearly is and our @mmfd_Pak's test confirms it. Please tag @PTCLOfficial to see if they can share a reason why the website of a political party, right before the elections, was blocked. twitter.com/PTCLOffi…

4:29 pm · June 3, 2018 ·

Retweeted by MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

@asadbeyg @OpenObservatory @PTCLOfficial pic.twitter.com/KEoG…

2:52 pm · June 3, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

Our tests (by @OpenObservatory) confirm that the access to Awami Workers Party has been blocked in Pakistan. Please try accessing the website awamiworkersparty.or… and report on this thread if you can see it. #GeneralElections2018

2:48 pm · June 3, 2018

#OnlineCensorship continues to take place in Pak ahead of #GeneralElections2018. News of possible censorship of @AwamiWorkers website. The website in inaccessible using @OpenObservatory test over @PTCLOfficial internet. #ReportDigitalRights @mmfd_Pak @asadbeyg @OpenNetGlobal

2:06 pm · June 3, 2018 ·

Retweeted by MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

These incidents goes on to show how #misinformation online can be extremely dangerous for democracy in Pakistan. Platforms @Twitter & @facebook should do more, but citizens (more so journalists) are equally responsible to understand and push-back on the spread of misinformation.

10:59 am · June 3, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

Its important to note here that the affiliates of the same party were involved in 'renaming' an older account and assuming the identify of Shabnam, a famous celebrity to post tweets praising the party's leadership. Both the times, tweets were picked by media, and aired as 'news'.

10:56 am · June 3, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

The screenshots of alleged "emails" had a typo in the email address. Its impossible to have a misstated email address in the system generated forward email conversations, clearly suggesting the images were morphed. Image by @mahobili #Misinformation

10:56 am · June 3, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

More to the pre #GeneralElections2018 online #misinformation madness: a celebrity and a member of @PTIofficial Hamza Ali Abbasi tweeted [morphed] screenshots of alleged email conversations between Reham Khan & @pmln_org "given to him by an independent hacker", but with a twist! pic.twitter.com/Il7V…

10:56 am · June 3, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

... of misinformation will only get worse as we get closer to #GeneralElections2018. Now is the time for @Twitter and @facebook to take substantial actions to disrupt this vicious cycle of misinformation. It isn't helping democracy. Help Pakistani voters make informed decisions.

2:14 pm · June 1, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

... fake tweets are posted and are immediately picked up by ‘likeminded’ in mainstream media and aired without basic fact-checking. We are also shocked to see how easily thousands believe something only because it conforms to their biases and prejudices. We fear this spread ...

2:14 pm · June 1, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

It goes on to show the role that popular social media platforms @Twitter and @facebook needs to play in disrupting the spread of false news. It also goes on to show how ‘organised’ the spread of misinformation is, where an older account is converted to represent a celebrity, ...

2:14 pm · June 1, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

Our mainstream media, today, has once again demonstrated the damage that unchecked #misinformation can do. We are shocked that even credible media outlets picked up a tweet from an obviously fake Twitter account @JharnaBasak and ran headlines. pic.twitter.com/ITU5…

2:14 pm · June 1, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

Today marks the seventh death anniversary of journalist Saleem Shahzad. Shahzad was tortured to death on May 30, 2011. Impunity prevails in his murder as so many others #EndImpunity #JournoSafe #FallenHeroes pic.twitter.com/MEQF…

6:06 pm · May 30, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

Electoral rolls under Elections Act 2017: Is the privacy of Pakistani voter in jeopardy? digitalrightsmonitor… #ReportDigitalRights #MediaforDemocracy

10:38 am · May 30, 2018

Launching #PunjabGenderParityReport2018 today. A collection of gender disaggregated data and analysis that depicts the status of women in Punjab across 6 thematic areas #Punjab #WomensEmpowerment #WomenInLeadership #GenderEquality #WomensRights #SDGs #SDG5 pic.twitter.com/EXCH…

6:50 am · May 30, 2018 ·

Retweeted by MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

The biggest concern is that we have no data protection right now. The digital policy aims to link all citizen data in one big cloud, but what surety do we have that this data will be secure? — questions Asad Baig, the founder of MMFD. Full article here: dawn.com/news/141036…

8:33 pm · May 29, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

#MediaForDemocracy twitter.com/CfWiJ/st…

6:45 pm · May 29, 2018

Committee to Protect Journalists

Committee to Protect Journalists

.@HassanRouhani’s commitment to a more free internet continues to be tested as hardline branches of government call for greater regulation after anti-government protests in December 2017. cpj.org/reports/2018… pic.twitter.com/kdlE…

9:42 am · May 29, 2018 ·

Retweeted by MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

Independent journalism is far more than an “added value” to the European Union. It is a fundamental right and duty. The European Charter on Fundamental Rights underlines freedom of expression. #MediaForDemocracy @EuropeanUnion36 twitter.com/EFJEUROP…

9:34 am · May 29, 2018

We join @OCCRP in calling on the Slovakian authorities to return Investigative reporter Pavla Holcova’s phone seized by the National Crime Agency #Slovakia europeanjournalists.…

9:30 am · May 29, 2018 ·

Retweeted by MediaForDemocracy

We are happy to honor #Venezuelan journalist, Joseph Poliszuk, with our @ICFJKnight International Journalism Award. Poliszuk is editor-in-chief & co-founder of @ArmandoInfo - a trailblazing investigative news platform: buff.ly/2IF52B5 @jopoliszuk #ItTakesaJournalist pic.twitter.com/2rRq…

9:30 am · May 29, 2018 ·

Retweeted by MediaForDemocracy

Important presentation from Clare Medford on @DisinfoIndex - based on the belief that platforms themselves shouldn’t censor or assess quality but that external regulation should - and neutral independent metrics are necessary to achieve this #misinfocon pic.twitter.com/mtk7…

9:30 am · May 29, 2018 ·

Retweeted by MediaForDemocracy

Socioeconomic inequality can play a key role in how disinformation propagates in societies. #misinfocon. twitter.com/mary_mit…

9:30 am · May 29, 2018 ·

Retweeted by MediaForDemocracy

Data in a day. What types of data online platforms collect from us. pic.twitter.com/dP1z…

6:27 pm · May 28, 2018 ·

Retweeted by MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

Could something like Cambridge Analytica happen in Pakistan & impact General Elections 18? Is enough data being harvested/mined from Pakistani citizens to influence voting decisions &/or even electoral processes? Watch our special podcast. facebook.com/mediama… #Privacymatters

10:59 pm · May 25, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

General Data Protection Framework is an effort of EU lawmakers to limit tech firms’ powers - BBC. Pakistan remains without a data protection framework and data of its citizens remains extremely vulnerable. #GDPR #PrivacyMatters

10:35 pm · May 25, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

Within hours of General Data Protection Regulation coming into force, complaints were filed by EU citizens against US tech giants. Dozens of websites shutdown their activities completely. Inboxes flooded with emails begging customers to remain on mailing lists - Guardian, BBC

10:33 pm · May 25, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has come into force on 25th May. It gives EU citizens more rights on how their information is used. Inboxes have been flooded with emails begging customers to remain on mailing lists, the Guardian reports. #GDPR

10:29 pm · May 25, 2018

Check out this great opportunity for #civictech projects aiming to improve #democracy! @NDItech @IRIglobal @IREXintl @mmfd_Pak @TEDICpy @ITSriodejaneiro twitter.com/CT4Democ…

11:48 am · May 25, 2018 ·

Retweeted by MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

We are going live in 30 minutes. Please join us on our Facebook page for the live podcast: facebook.com/mediama… twitter.com/mmfd_Pak…

10:28 am · May 25, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

A privacy commission still does not exist in Pakistan, though the IT ministry is on record saying that a draft data protection law is under way. Well we are still in hopes! #ReportDigitalRights #MediaforDemocracy #PrivacyintheDigitalAge twitter.com/hjkhan/s…

10:23 am · May 25, 2018

Today, the General Data Protection Regulation (#GDPR) comes into force . What is it all about ec.europa.eu/commiss… @EU_Justice

10:19 am · May 25, 2018 ·

Retweeted by MediaForDemocracy

"Data protection is not just a core fundamental right, it is essential for any democracy and is also a good business practice" @MagisRaimund #PrivacyintheDigitalAge @cis_india @EU_Justice

10:17 am · May 25, 2018 ·

Retweeted by MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

EU's Conference #PrivacyintheDigitalAge starts in India today! #ReportDigitalRights #MediaforDemocracy twitter.com/EU_in_In…

10:17 am · May 25, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

What does it mean for a country with 150 million mobile, 57 million broadband, and 55 million 3g/4g subscribers to NOT have a data protection framework, especially in the wake of history's trickiest General Elections (2018). Watch our podcast on Friday at 1500 #PrivacyMatters

11:23 pm · May 23, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

Our publication ‘Digital Rights Review 2017’ analyses the key updates and gives a situational analysis of data vulnerabilities and challenges to privacy in 2017, in 'Digital Data - Challenges to Privacy' (Chapter 1). drive.google.com/fil… #PrivacyMatters @privacyint pic.twitter.com/9LQB…

9:32 pm · May 23, 2018

MediaForDemocracy

MediaForDemocracy

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 approved by the Cabinet yesterday acknowledges the importance of a (pro-citizen) data protection legislation, despite commitments by the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecomm, fed gov failed to legislate for #DataProtection #PrivacyMatters

9:27 pm · May 23, 2018

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