An increase in blackmail and account hacking has been recorded through social networking website Facebook and messaging app WhatsApp.
According to the statistics of the cybercrime wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), blackmailing incidents have increased by 40 percent this year compared to last year.
The cyber crime wing received 3560 complaints of blackmailing and account hacking on Facebook, compared to 2,236 last year.
According to Sarfraz Chaudhary, in-charge cybercrime wing, 1964 complaints of blackmailing and 721 complaints of hacking websites have been received on WhatsApp this year.
It should be noted that a bill has been passed to control cyber crimes in Pakistan, the important points of which are listed below.
1) Unauthorized access to mobile phone, laptop etc. of any person can be punished with 3 months imprisonment or 50 thousand fine or both.
2) Unauthorized copying of data of any person shall be punishable with imprisonment for 6 months or with fine of Rs.1 lakh or with both.
3) In case of damage to any person’s phone, laptop data, imprisonment for 2 years or a fine of Rs. 5 lakh or both.
4) Unauthorized access to important data (such as database of information essential for national integrity) can be punished with 3 years imprisonment or a fine of 10 lakhs or both.
5) Unauthorized copying of important data shall be punishable with 5 years imprisonment or a fine of Rs.50 lakhs or both.
6) Imprisonment for 7 years, fine up to Rs.1 crore or both for damaging important data.
7) 5 years imprisonment or 1 crore fine or both for supporting and promoting crime and hate speech.
CYBER TERRORISM: Any person who damages or threatens to damage important data or spreads hate speech shall be liable to imprisonment for 14 years or a fine of 5 million or both.
9) Electronic forgery shall be punishable with imprisonment for 3 years or with fine of Rs.2.5 lakh or with both
10) Electronic fraud can be punishable with 2 years imprisonment or a fine of Rs.1 crore or both.
11) Making, obtaining or supplying a device used in any offense shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term of 6 months or with a fine of 50,000 or with both.
12) Unauthorized use of identity of any person shall be punishable with imprisonment for 3 years or with fine of Rs.50 lakhs or with both.
13) Unauthorized issuance of SIM card shall be punishable with imprisonment of 3 years or fine of 5 lakhs or both.
14) Tampering with communication shall be punishable with imprisonment for 3 years or with fine of 10 lakhs or with both.
15) Imprisonment for 2 years or fine of 5 lakhs or both for unauthorized mining (such as in communication etc.).
16) Offenses against one’s reputation: Spreading false information against one shall be punishable with imprisonment for 3 years or a fine of 10 lakhs or both.
17) Posting or displaying a nude photo/video of anyone shall be punishable with 7 years imprisonment or a fine of 50 lakhs or both.
18) Writing or distributing virus-infected code shall be punishable with imprisonment for 2 years or a fine of 10 lakhs or both.
19) Harassment, marketing or indecent conversation online shall be punishable with imprisonment for 1 year or with a fine of Rs.10 lakh or with both.
20) Spamming is punishable with a fine of 50,000 rupees for the first time and 3 months imprisonment or a fine of 10 lakhs or both for subsequent violations.
21) Spoofing shall be punishable with imprisonment for 3 years or with fine of Rs.5 lakhs or with both.
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2024-09-11 04:20:06
Table of Contents
Rise in Blackmail and Account Hacking on Facebook and WhatsApp: Pakistan’s Cybercrime Bill to the Rescue
In recent years, Pakistan has witnessed a significant surge in blackmail and account hacking cases on popular social networking website Facebook and messaging app WhatsApp. According to the statistics of the cybercrime wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), blackmailing incidents have increased by a staggering 40 percent this year compared to last year. The cybercrime wing received 3560 complaints of blackmailing and account hacking on Facebook, compared to 2,236 last year. Similarly, 1964 complaints of blackmailing and 721 complaints of hacking websites have been received on WhatsApp this year.
This alarming rise in cybercrimes has prompted the Pakistani government to take drastic measures to combat this menace. In 2015, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) was passed to control cybercrimes in Pakistan <a href="https://www.na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1421399434340.pdf”>[1[1[1[1[1[1[1[1][3[3[3[3[3[3[3[3]. The act aims to prevent and investigate various forms of cybercrimes, including unauthorized access, data copying, data damage, and hate speech.
Under PECA, various offenses have been categorized and penalized accordingly. For instance:
Unauthorized access to mobile phone, laptop, etc. of any person can be punished with 3 months imprisonment or a fine of Rs. 50,000 or both.
Unauthorized copying of data of any person shall be punishable with imprisonment for 6 months or a fine of Rs. 1 lakh or with both.
* In case of damage to any person’s phone, laptop data, imprisonment for 2 years or a fine of Rs. 5 lakh or both.
The act also covers more severe offenses, such as cyber terrorism, which can lead to imprisonment for 14 years or a fine of Rs. 5 million or both.
While the passage of PECA is a step in the right direction, concerns have been raised about the potential misuse of the law to restrict freedom of expression and privacy <a href="https://rsf.org/sites/default/files/analysisofpakistanscyber-crimebill.pdf”>[2[2[2[2[2[2[2[2]. It is essential to strike a balance between preventing cybercrimes and protecting fundamental rights.
the rise in blackmail and account hacking cases on Facebook and WhatsApp is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. Pakistan’s Cybercrime Bill, although imperfect, is a vital step towards combating cybercrimes and safeguarding the digital rights of citizens.
References:
[1] Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2015. (2015). Retrieved from <https://www.na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1421399434340.pdf>
[2] Analysis of Pakistan’s cybercrime bill. (n.d.). Retrieved from <https://rsf.org/sites/default/files/analysisofpakistanscyber-crimebill.pdf>
[3] Government’s Proposed And Modified Cybercrime Bill 2015. (n.d.). Retrieved from
Keywords: Blackmail, Account Hacking, Facebook, WhatsApp, Cybercrime, Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), Pakistan, Freedom of Expression, Privacy, Cyber Terrorism.
3 reasons why it is difficult to fight computer crime
Cyber Crime on the Rise: Facebook and WhatsApp Users Beware
The rapid growth of technology has brought numerous benefits to our lives, but it has also given rise to a new wave of cyber crimes. In recent years, Pakistan has seen a significant increase in blackmailing and account hacking cases, particularly on social networking website Facebook and messaging app WhatsApp.
Alarming Statistics
According to the statistics of the cybercrime wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), blackmailing incidents have increased by 40 percent this year compared to last year. The cybercrime wing received 3560 complaints of blackmailing and account hacking on Facebook, compared to 2,236 last year. Furthermore, 1964 complaints of blackmailing and 721 complaints of hacking websites have been received on WhatsApp this year.
New Bill to Combat Cyber Crimes
To combat the growing menace of cyber crimes, a bill has been passed to control cyber crimes in Pakistan. The important points of the bill include:
Unauthorized access to mobile phone, laptop, etc. of any person can be punished with 3 months imprisonment or 50 thousand fine or both.
Unauthorized copying of data of any person shall be punishable with imprisonment for 6 months or with fine of Rs.1 lakh or with both.
In case of damage to any person’s phone, laptop data, imprisonment for 2 years or a fine of Rs. 5 lakh or both.
The bill also covers other aspects of cyber crimes, including cyber terrorism, electronic forgery, electronic fraud, and unauthorized use of identity.
How to Report Cyber Crimes
If you are a victim of cyber crime, you can report it to the Cyber Crime Wing (CCW) of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The CCW is the only unit of its kind in Pakistan that directly receives complaints and takes legal measures against cyber criminals[[[2]]. You can also report cyber crimes to the National Response Centre For Cyber Crime, which is a dedicated unit that deals with various types of cyber crimes, including hacking, identity theft, cyber bullying, and digital piracy[[[1]].
Precautions to Avoid Cyber Crimes
To avoid falling prey to cyber crimes, it is essential to take certain precautions. Here are some tips:
Use strong passwords and keep them confidential.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
Keep your software and operating system up to date.
Use two-factor authentication whenever possible.
Be cautious when sharing personal information online.
Conclusion
Cyber crimes are a growing concern in Pakistan, and it is essential to take proactive measures to combat them. By being aware of the laws and regulations in place, and taking precautions to avoid falling prey to cyber crimes, we can make the internet a safer place for everyone.
References:
[1] National Response Centre For Cyber Crime. (n.d.). CYBER CRIME CATEGORIES. Retrieved from
[2] Cyber Crime Wing (CCW). (n.d.). Retrieved from
[3] Complaint cell for CYBER CRIME. (n.d.). Retrieved from
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