PTA, TikTok join hands to promote online safety in Pakistan

IT ministry collaborates with TikTok to enhance educational content on the platform
An image of PTA chairman Major General (R) Hafeez-ur-Rehman with TikTok delegation led by METAPSA Head of Global Public Policy Mr Emir Gelen, discussing digital engagement and youth online safety initiatives. Delegation members: Mr. Fahad Khan Niazi, Ms. Sidra Jalil, Mr. Ilunga Mpyana, and Mr. Sohaib Khan in Islamabad on November 21, 2024. — Supplied
An image of PTA chairman Major General (R) Hafeez-ur-Rehman with TikTok delegation led by METAPSA Head of Global Public Policy Mr Emir Gelen, discussing digital engagement and youth online safety initiatives. Delegation members: Mr. Fahad Khan Niazi, Ms. Sidra Jalil, Mr. Ilunga Mpyana, and Mr. Sohaib Khan in Islamabad on November 21, 2024. — Supplied 

In a major step towards improving digital safety, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) partnered with TikTok on Thursday. TikTok hosted the Youth Safety Summit Pakistan in Islamabad, bringing together key stakeholders, including government representatives, educators, law enforcement, child protection NGOs, and industry experts.

This collaboration builds on earlier discussions between PTA and TikTok, where both parties outlined plans for initiatives like the "Youth Safety Summit" and awareness campaigns. The summit featured sessions on Digital Hifazat, a joint effort by TikTok and PTA aimed at safeguarding young users online. 

PTA also shared its initiatives, focusing on child online protection and fostering a secure digital environment.

A panel discussion on enhancing child online safety featured experts from PTA, UNICEF Pakistan, SAHIL, and CERT, addressing issues like combating cyberbullying, misinformation, and online harassment.

The delegation included Fahad Khan Niazi, Sidra Jalil, Ilunga Mpyana, and Sohaib Khan, who discussed joint efforts for awareness campaigns and training workshops in schools across Pakistan. 

Youth Safety Summit Pakistan 

TikTok highlighted its safety features, such as the Family Pairing tool, Community Guidelines, and the Youth Safety Portal, which empower parents, educators, and youth to navigate the digital world responsibly. 

Read more: TikTok, IT ministry join hands to boost educational content in Pakistan

During the summit, TikTok announced the winners of the #DigitalHifazat Contest, a competition encouraging creators to raise awareness about digital safety. Among 11,000 entries, Bilal Shahzad won first prize, while Ch Danish and Muhammad Usama Kiyani secured second and third places, respectively.

PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez-ur-Rehman underlined that it was through their collective effort that a digital space could be constructed free from harm and exclusion.

Training the teachers and students was emphasised so that problems like cyberbullying and unwanted content could be dealt with.

IT ministry collaborated with TikTok

Earlier on Wednesday, the IT ministry collaborated with TikTok to enhance educational content on the platform. The partnership will bring engaging and informative videos to Pakistani users, allowing them to learn new skills while having a safe and positive online experience.

This initiative reflects the growing role of technology in empowering the next generation with a safer online environment along with meaningful content.