Police lodge three FIRs for deepfake postings under PECA

Section 500 of PPC specifies that a person found guilty of defaming another could be fined, jailed for up to two years, or both

Tech Desk - Feb 21, 2025

An undated image of social media apps on a smartphone screen. — Pixabay

In what signifies the prompt implementation of laws introduced under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) amendments 2025, Punjab police on Friday lodged three cases for allegedly posting deepfakes of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on social media.

Deepfakes of Punjab CM on social media

Violating the regulations enforced under the recently amended ordinance for regulating online content, the AI-generated images and videos of the Punjab CM on social media were reported to be explicit, marking an attempt at defaming state institutions.

For all three cases, separate first information reports (FIRs) were registered with the Shahdara, Shahdara Town and Kot Lakhpat police stations, stating other penalties on the sidelines of sections 500, 504 and 505-1 (C) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

Section 500 of the PPC defines punishment for defamation, specifying that a person found guilty of defaming another could be fined, jailed for up to two years, or both, as reported by Dawn.

Meanwhile, section 504 of the penal code states that whoever commits deliberate insult, provocating any person, being aware of the act to be expected to disrupt public order shall face imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or fines, or both.

Section 505-1 (C) of the PPC states: (1) Whoever makes, publishes, or circulates any statement, rumour or report: (c) with the intention of inciting, any class or community of persons to commit any offence against any other class or community, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years and with fine.