KU seminar for stronger action against online harassment

Experts link cybercrime to erosion of values, call for legislation with implementation; NCCIA official says data access remains key challenge

IV Report

KARACHI: An interactive seminar at the University of Karachi on Friday called for stronger laws, their strict implementation, and collective responsibility to check rising cases of online harassment, blackmail and character assassination.

The seminar on 'National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA): Challenges, Counter-Strategies, and Freedom of Speech' was organised by the Department of Criminology at the Chinese Teachers' Memorial Auditorium.

Newly appointed KU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Wasim Qazi said crime cannot be confined to violation of law alone, as deviation from social values, denial of equal opportunities and lack of moral training are also grave social problems.

For a civilised society, he said, respect for humanity, mutual acceptance and effective legislation with implementation are essential. He stressed the need for moral and social training at home and in educational institutions, saying awareness and adherence to values promote self-accountability and reduce reliance on strict surveillance.

He observed that abandoning values has permeated society, and ethics must be adopted in practical life, not just in conversation.

Deputy Director NCCIA Karachi Division Arsalan Manzoor said investigation of cybercrimes faces major challenges in obtaining required digital data, as information is often withheld under the pretext of privacy.

He said it is necessary to determine to whom the right of privacy applies and under what circumstances, especially when a person is involved in harassing, blackmailing or damaging reputation.

Freedom of expression, he said, does not mean spreading information without verification and evidence, as online content rapidly reaches a large audience and unverifi

ed information can cause far-reaching damage to reputations and private lives.

Senior journalist Mazhar Abbas said false information spreads when access to facts is restricted. "When people are not provided correct information, chances of rumours increase," he said.

He said the growing number of laws and investigative institutions has complicated the system and created ambiguity about division of responsibilities.

He emphasised that instead of suppressing information, timely and verified facts should be provided, and critical thinking should be encouraged in educational institutions to promote creativity.

Earlier, Chairperson Department of Criminology Prof Dr Naeema Saeed delivered the welcome address and highlighted the seminar objectives and academic activities aimed at aligning students with contemporary requirements.

Photo courtesy: KU