Digital ethics stressed to curb online misinformation

Think before you share, KU workshop urges social media users.

IV Report

KARACHI: Emphasising that ethics remain the cornerstone of a civilised society, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi (KU), Professor Dr Muhammad Tufail, on Monday urged people to verify information before sharing it on social media, warning that the unchecked spread of misinformation can have serious social consequences.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of a one-day workshop on “Media Literacy and Digital Rights”, jointly organised by the University of Karachi's Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) and the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), Dr Tufail said religious teachings clearly instruct people to investigate and confirm the authenticity of news before forwarding it.

He regretted that many social media users now circulate information simply to be the first to share it, without verifying its accuracy, describing the practice as both irresponsible and unethical.

The workshop was held at the Zafar H Zaidi Center for Proteomics Auditorium and focused on promoting responsible digital behaviour, media literacy and fact-based communication.

Dr Tufail observed that sharing unverified images, videos or messages online could trigger social unrest, harm individual reputations and, in extreme cases, even lead to loss of life. He stressed the need to equip society with the skills and mechanisms required to identify false information and promote access to credible, evidence-based knowledge.

He also encouraged participants to apply the lessons learned during the workshop in their professional and personal lives by promoting accurate information, responsible communication and digital ethics within their communities.

KU Director ORIC, Dr Syeda Hoor Ul Ain, said the memorandum of understanding signed between KU and CPDI last year was aimed at strengthening civic awareness and responsible citizenship.

She said university faculty members had been trained in media literacy and digital rights before serving as master trainers for students, enabling them to promote democratic values, voting rights and social responsibility.

Dr Hoor Ul Ain added that the workshop linked media literacy with public policy and public opinion, encouraging students to make meaningful contributions to policymaking and community development. She also highlighted the second phase of the initiative, titled "Charagh se Charagh" (Light from Light), under which students completed community awareness projects after receiving specialised training, with outstanding teams receiving awards.

Provincial Coordinator of CPDI Atif Ali said the organisation was working to promote responsible thinking, civic awareness and the ethical use of information. He stressed that verifying the authenticity of news before sharing it had become essential in the digital era, where misinformation could significantly influence society.

He urged participants not only to refrain from spreading fake or misleading information but also to educate others about its harmful effects. According to him, the workshop aimed to encourage responsible digital behaviour, strengthen fact-checking practices and promote truth-based information in society.

Photos: KU 

With an uninterrupted 23-year career in daily journalism (1991-2013), the author/editor of this blog currently serves as Editor of Social Track, a weekly newspaper focused on social sectors, based in Karachi. Holding a master's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Karachi (1990), his professional experience includes roles as senior reporter at Daily Dawn, Karachi (May 2001-August 2013) and Chief Reporter at The News International, Karachi (April 1991-May 2001). He has a strong background in development journalism, he has an extensive portfolio of news stories, analytical reports and features covering a wide range of sectors. He has had the privilege of covering numerous high-profile figures, including Pakistani presidents, prime ministers, army chiefs, foreign dignitaries, and VVIPs and attending conferences and workshops abroad. He began his journalism career in the early 1980s. Throughout his career, he has received several national awards from government and private organisations. He has contributed to various radio and TV/channel broadcasts and has also served as a trainer at workshops in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, focused on training journalists.

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