ISLAMABAD: National Cyber Emergency Response Team (NCERT) has issued an official advisory warning against the spread of misinformation and disinformation by hostile elements.
The advisory urged media professionals, social media users, and government institutions to exercise caution, stating that anti-state elements are using misinformation as a psychological weapon to create chaos and undermine public trust in national leadership.
“Avoid sharing any photos, videos, or information related to troop movements, operational developments, or sensitive incidents on social media, Sharing classified or sensitive information can aid adversaries and compromise operational security, fake official handles of government institutions may be used to disseminate false narratives and anti-state actors may attempt to sow division through fabricated information campaigns”.
The advisory further warns that journalists and digital media professionals reporting from border areas may be targeted. Users active in WhatsApp and Telegram groups could also be vulnerable to such campaigns. Individuals should refrain from sharing unverified information from border zones in real-time.
The recommendations include; verifying sensitive information with relevant authorities before sharing, remaining alert to emotional and sensational content designed to provoke, using deep fake detection tools to counter digital manipulation, reporting suspicious and fake accounts on social media platforms.
The government urged citizens and media to play a responsible role in safeguarding national security during this sensitive period.
