Terror Groups' Devious Use of Social Media: The International Perspective

Pakistan, April 29 – Social media, which was initially meant to merely bring people together, now poses a significant threat to Pakistan’s safety. This fact cannot be overlooked without consequences.

Terrorist groups have utilized social media platforms to propagate hate, attract susceptible individuals into their ranks, and orchestrate activities that threaten the foundational structure of our societies. This is precisely when we must recognize such actions as an outright attack on our tranquility and safety. Social media narratives frequently emphasize the aspect of freedom of expression. Nevertheless, this viewpoint requires alteration. Once these platforms serve as instruments for terrorists to advocate extremism and violence, they move beyond the limits of what can be considered protected speech.

The environment in which they function is not an arena for free discussion; it serves as a battlefield for ideologies that endanger innocent people. This issue goes beyond just ensuring public safety; it represents a form of cyber warfare.

It is crucial to recognize that cyber operations can be considered “armed” attacks within the framework of Article 51 of the UN Charter. Consequently, Pakistan has grounds to view such digital assaults as acts of warfare. Instead of avoiding this truth, we should face it squarely, recognizing the severe threat unregulated social media presents to our national security. Currently, Pakistan faces a challenging situation where it frequently falls prey to external influences determining content moderation policies on social platforms. Western nations advocate for their priorities ostensibly to safeguard freedom of expression; however, they do so without considering Pakistani perspectives. As a result, genuine worries regarding improper use of social media remain ignored, positioning Pakistan as merely spectators in conflicts impacting our citizens and country.

Therefore, how should Pakistan respond to this growing menace? Are we destined to be mere casualties of this digital behemoth, or ought we to proactively explore methods for protecting our well-being?

It’s evident; we need to take decisive steps.

Think about the example of TikTok, an app created in China. Even with its background, TikTok serves as a virtual arena where entities such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) operate to challenge the interests of both Pakistan and China, notably concerning the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

This creates a predicament: should Pakistan not interact with the Chinese government regarding the exploitation of a Chinese product that jeopardizes its sovereignty? It’s crucial that we address this issue, starting with China and then moving on to other countries, to build a cohesive stance against the misuse of social media by extremist and terror organizations.

The threats presented by social media in the possession of terrorist organizations should not be underestimated. They exploit these platforms to provoke aggression, create rifts, and cultivate an environment of terror and alarm within society. Misinformation and altered facts circulate quickly, threatening both communal unity and the resilience of our economic system. It is imperative that we prevent these technological resources from turning into agents of devastation that dismantle the advancement we have achieved.

Moreover, we should acknowledge that this goes beyond just individual rights. The freedom of expression, as stated in Article 19 of the Constitution, isn’t unlimited; it comes with duties.

If that statement leads to violence and terrorism, it goes beyond the safeguards meant by these regulations. Balancing the commitment to free speech with the necessity of protecting our citizens' safety and security is essential.

The global community has progressively recognized cyberspace conflicts as a valid concern. The United Nations has established a principle whereby nations can protect themselves from cyber assaults. Pakistan needs to uphold its authority to combat such dangers, thereby establishing itself as a key player in reshaping communal norms that address our distinct predicaments.

The era of mere watching from the sidelines is over. Pakistan needs to face the truth about social media being used as a tool against us by individuals intent on causing damage. The potential threats are far too significant, and the consequences too severe, for us to stay quiet.

We require a cohesive strategy that tackles both urgent threats and promotes our objectives globally. Let’s unite to use our diplomatic resources effectively, raising consciousness and sparking dialogues around critical matters. Through this approach, we can defend our autonomy, secure our populace, and make sure social media acts as an instrument of connection and advancement instead of harm.

The destiny of our country hinges on our capacity to tackle this fresh landscape with bravery and determination. This is an issue we must not overlook. Striking a balance between free speech and national safety necessitates a strategic and committed effort.