Islamabad:
A message on social networks and WhatsApp groups has raised alarm, suggesting that the authorities watch over large -scale calls and groups – an assertion that the PTA quickly expelled.
The viral post, heavy on speculation and light on evidence, says that a new “mode of confidentiality” has been deployed, allowing managers to follow the WhatsApp activity of each Pakistanis.
The message also warns users to share politically or religiously sensitive content, alleging that offenders could face the arrest without warning.
“Since midnight this evening, all groups will be placed in confidentiality mode because the new communication rules for WhatsApp and telephone calls will be applied in Pakistan.
In the coming days, strict monitoring of groups and messages will take place: “The message indicates.
The message contains alarming statements on extended monitoring measures.
He claims that all telephone calls will be recorded and stored, while social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and X will be closely monitored.
In addition, this suggests that user devices will be connected to government systems.
According to the message, discussing online political or religious subjects could lead to an arrest without a mandate. He urges individuals to be cautious and informing their family, their friends and their acquaintances about these alleged surveillance efforts.
However, a verification of the facts revealed that Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) categorically denied having issued such instructions or playing a role in monitoring calls or WhatsApp messages.
Due to end -to -end encryption (E2EE), mass monitoring of private conversations is technically impossible.
WhatsApp uses end -to -end encryption technology (E2EE), which means that only the sender and the recipient can read messages. Even WhatsApp itself cannot access these conversations.
Digital digital digital digital rights expert Rights Foundation has confirmed that encryption prevents the Pakistani authorities from carrying out large -scale monitoring of WhatsApp communications.
Although governments cannot read encrypted messages, they can collect metadata – information on which you communicate, duration of conversations, locations (if GPS is activated) and group participation.
However, this form of surveillance is generally intended for specific individuals rather than for the general public.
Governments can use spy software such as Pegasus or malware to monitor individuals, but these tools are not effective for large -scale monitoring.
The statement that Pakistan has promulgated new laws to monitor all WhatsApp groups and calls is completely false.
However, the authorities can always follow metadata and carry out targeted surveillance of specific interests.
Experts recommend that users protect their digital confidentiality by avoiding suspicious links, and unauthorized applications and sharing sensitive information online.
Although mass monitoring is unlikely, targeted surveillance of individuals remains a possibility.
