The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has released guidelines highlighting the significance of safe and responsible use of social media due to its increasing popularity and the potential risks it poses to public convenience.
In an article titled “Principles, Responsibilities, and Ethics of Social Media,” Director Muhammad Farooq emphasizes the profound impact of social media on society, both positive and negative. While these platforms offer numerous benefits such as digital literacy, access to local content, business opportunities, and instant information, they also have the capacity to undermine our social and moral values.
One of the primary concerns highlighted in the article is the challenge of addressing false, defamatory, misleading, inappropriate, and hate-inducing content, as it threatens cultural and ethical values.
Moreover, the online platforms themselves are vulnerable to various risks. Users who are unaware of local laws and community guidelines often fall victim to financial fraud, encounter online predators, or engage in illegal activities that can lead to legal consequences.
To ensure public convenience and safety, the article stresses the importance of following the necessary guidelines for the responsible use of social media.
Users are advised to exercise caution when sharing content and protect personal information. It emphasized that while sharing information on social media may only take seconds, once uploaded, it becomes a permanent part of our digital footprint and can be exploited for negative purposes.
Law enforcement agencies can utilize illegal material to trace the original uploader, even deleted content, and initiate legal action if necessary.
Therefore, the article underscores the need to be cautious when posting or sharing personal or family information. While nothing on the internet is entirely private, it is crucial to keep personal information confidential to prevent potential misuse.