Pakistan : The National Institute of Public Policy (NIPP) hosted a roundtable discussion on November 4, 2024, addressing the pressing need to regulate social media in Pakistan. The conference was initiated by Dr. Naveed Elahi, Dean of NIPP, who underscored the importance of developing a comprehensive regulatory framework to tackle challenges such as misinformation and hate speech.
Rector NSPP, Dr. Ijaz Munir welcomed attendees and highlighted the need for government alignment with regulatory bodies. Key speakers included Dr. Fareed Zafar and Dr. Taimur Rahman, Associate Professors at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS); Dr. Savera Shami, Chairperson of the Department of Digital Media at the University of Punjab; Mr. Safdar Ali Khan, Chief Editor of Daily Sarzameen; and Mr. Muhammad Farooq Mazhar, Director General of NIM, Lahore.
Dr. Ali Abbas, Research Associate at NIPP, presented a research analysis highlighting the issues arising from unbridled social media, including its economic, social, and political consequences. He reviewed government policy responses for social media regulation and provided recommendations based on content analysis of newspaper articles. He also discussed global best practices to offer insights for improved social media regulation in Pakistan.
Dr. Fareed Zafar emphasized the complexities of controlling social media algorithms, arguing that understanding these algorithms is crucial for effective regulation. He called for a focus on cybersecurity measures to protect users and the integrity of online information. Dr. Taimur Rahman stressed the importance of media literacy, asserting that traditional regulatory methods may not be effective against the dynamic nature of digital communication. He urged stakeholders to adopt innovative approaches to educate users on discerning credible information.
Dr. Severia Shami highlighted the critical need to differentiate between regulation and control, advocating for responsible social media use while preserving freedom of expression. Mr. Farooq Mazhar acknowledged the government’s substantial capacity but urged for more aggressive action in regulating social media. Meanwhile, Mr. Usman Shami pointed out the importance of distinguishing between misinformation and credible information and ensuring equitable access to both.
Additionally, Ms. Nighat Daad emphasized the necessity of regularizing the personnel involved in the regulatory process to ensure long-term stability and effectiveness in implementation.
The session, attended by academic experts, policymakers, and media representatives, aimed to address the complex challenges posed by the unregulated growth of social media platforms. The roundtable underscored the necessity for collaborative efforts among government, academia, and media to create a balanced approach to social media regulation, focusing on user safety and innovation.
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