Pakistan-based science, tech, cybercrime reporter
I am a Pakistan-based journalist and researcher. I have worked at Pakistan's top newsrooms as a desk editor, and published work with BBC Urdu, Dawn News, Geo English and Samaa. I am a former computer network engineer, and use what I learned to carry out investigations on personal data theft, financial fraud, state manipulation of tech to suppress freedom of speech, and dangerous disinformation campaigns against feminist activists.
I am a 2022 Louise Behan science reporting grant winner. I was the research consultant for the UNESCO country media freedom report for Pakistan.
I have worked in media development where I designed media trainings and manuals on disinformation and gender reporting for journalists, media and civil society professionals.
THE PROBLEM WITH PAKISTAN’S TECH VISION
While politicians paint rosy pictures of a digital Pakistan, those on the ground decry the lack of infrastructure, constant headaches in doing business.
On a cold January morning, newly graduated Waheeda took off her shoes and entered a data centre for the first time in her life. The small but heavy door could only be opened by data centre staff, with a security code to be entered into a machine mounted on the wall.
Inside, it was freezing cold, and a man with knee-length, bright yellow rubber
On a cold January morning, newly graduated Waheeda took off her shoes and entered a data centre for the first time in her life. The small but heavy door could only be opened by data centre staff, with a security code to be entered into a machine mounted on the wall.
Inside, it was freezing cold, and a man with knee-length, bright yellow rubber
PAKISTAN’S WEB OF CYBER SCAMMERS
Contrary to what one might assume, the gambit used for these scams is pretty simple — exploit the vulnerabilities of the poor, naïve, uneducated and the fearful.
Haseeb, 19, was half an hour away from appearing for a college exam when he received a phone call from an unknown number. When he picked up, the caller introduced himself as an employee of the bank at which Haseeb had an account. The man asked some questions to confirm Haseeb’s bank details before asking him for his ATM pin, which Hase
Haseeb, 19, was half an hour away from appearing for a college exam when he received a phone call from an unknown number. When he picked up, the caller introduced himself as an employee of the bank at which Haseeb had an account. The man asked some questions to confirm Haseeb’s bank details before asking him for his ATM pin, which Hase
News stories for Sindhu Abbasi - DAWN.COM
HOW VULNERABLE IS YOUR PERSONAL DATA?
As Pakistanis’ digital footprint grows, so do the threats to their confidential details.
As Pakistanis’ digital footprint grows, so do the threats to their confidential details.
Pakistan's Mandatory VPN Registration Disregards The Need For Privacy
Explainer: Pakistan’s new social media rules
The government has just passed social media regulation rules, which have already attracted controversy. For example, now the government can get access to your WhatsApp conversations, if WhatsApp agrees to sharing your data.
They are called the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards), Rules 2020. You can find them on the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication’s website.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has made these rules.
They are called the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards), Rules 2020. You can find them on the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication’s website.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has made these rules.
Sindhi media: Mapping digitisation and threats to female journalists
When Veengas, a vocal Sindhi journalist, started vociferously highlighting the issue of forced conversion of Hindu girls in Sindh, she was told “you are next [to be abducted].” She treated it as a routine threat and continues to bring various issues from Sindh to the forefront which the traditional Urdu and English media fail to report.
One of the cases she posted regular updates about was the alleged forced conversions of two Hindu sisters, Raveena and Reena, to Islam. The news of their abduct
One of the cases she posted regular updates about was the alleged forced conversions of two Hindu sisters, Raveena and Reena, to Islam. The news of their abduct
HOW VULNERABLE IS YOUR PERSONAL DATA?
Take 10 minutes away from your busy scrolling of Facebook and search for groups which offer citizens’ personal details — claimed to be from files maintained by the National Database Registration Authority (Nadra) as well as by telecom companies.
One group, for example, offers Nadra data which includes “family trees” with pictures for an undisclosed amount of money. Another can provide you lists sorted by cities. And some can go as far as to tag you in your national and provincial constituencies
One group, for example, offers Nadra data which includes “family trees” with pictures for an undisclosed amount of money. Another can provide you lists sorted by cities. And some can go as far as to tag you in your national and provincial constituencies