Meta, Pakistan join forces to combat online fraud

By Staff Reporter

Islamabad: Addressing the critical issues of online fraud and the protection of vulnerable communities, senior representatives from Meta held a significant meeting with Pakistan’s Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, to discuss a collaborative approach to enhancing digital safety and responsible technology governance across the nation.

According to information from PID, the high-level Meta team was led by Dania Mukhtar, Head of Public Policy for Pakistan, and included key personnel such as Shi Ing Tay, Lead Counsel for Pakistan & South/Central Asia, alongside specialists in regulatory compliance, content policy development, and WhatsApp policy, indicating the comprehensive scope of the engagement.

Discussions focused intently on strengthening online safety frameworks, with a special emphasis placed on safeguarding women, children, and at-risk groups. The agenda also prioritized a review of effective measures to prevent financial scams and fraudulent activities that proliferate on social media platforms.

Both parties explored strategies to improve reporting mechanisms for malicious activity, refine safety protocols, and advance digital literacy initiatives. The aim is to better equip and protect citizens as they navigate an increasingly connected world.

Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja highlighted the administration’s unwavering commitment to establishing a secure, inclusive, and citizen-centric digital ecosystem. She pointed to Pakistan”s ongoing reforms in the realm of digital governance.

The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s resolve to collaborate closely with global technology partners like Meta, underscoring the shared objective of fostering a safe, trusted, and innovation-friendly digital environment for all Pakistanis.