
In an era where digital connectivity increasingly shapes our lives, a surge in cybercrime has compromised user privacy, posing significant threats to individuals, businesses, and governments alike.
A recent panel discussion titled 'Global Threat, Global Response: Combating Cybercrime', held at the School of Tomorrow (SOT) events, gathered experts from diverse fields to examine strategies for addressing this issue.
Attendees explored the complexities of cyber threats, the frequency of heinous crimes linked to this growing issue, the importance of public-private partnerships, and the role of education in fostering a more secure online environment.
The panel included Senior Police Officer and Adviser for the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office project, Humayun Bashir Tarrar; Pakistani journalist and editor of Nukta, Amber Rahim Shamsi; Pakistani journalist and TV host, Sidra Iqbal; and Adam Smith International Team Lead, Kennethe Dean.
What is cybercrime?
The discussion began by examining the legal landscape of cybercrime in Pakistan. Cybercrime encompasses various illegal activities conducted over the internet, including blackmail, identity theft, and hacking.
Experts pointed out that many cases go unreported, with around 50% of victims refraining from seeking assistance due to embarrassment, cultural stigmas, and fear of victim-blaming. Humayun highlighted the pervasiveness of illegal online activities, which impact multiple industries and individuals alike, creating a “sinister and darker environment.”
The global evolution of cybercrime and law enforcement’s response
Kennethe noted the rapid increase in cybercrimes, driven by advancing technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). He explained that cybercriminals, often highly organised and well-educated, leverage AI to expedite the frequency of attacks, outpacing traditional law enforcement methods.
Law enforcement agencies in Pakistan, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), are actively responding to these challenges by enhancing their capabilities through advanced training, collaborations, and smart cybersecurity technologies. These agencies are also focused on spreading public awareness of preventative measures to combat cybercrime.
Kennethe emphasised the need for a stronger legal framework to address the issue, describing cybercrime as “a global problem which needs to be collectively and peacefully handled not only by governments in one collective approach if we are going to make any headway to combat these people.”
Amber cited high-profile cases involving serious online sexual violence and disinformation campaigns, encouraging young people to report such incidents without hesitation. She called for increased public awareness and proactive measures to counter these illegal activities.
Sidra discussed how Pakistan’s socio-economic challenges, including inflation and unemployment, exacerbate the cybercrime crisis. She warned that AI progression could lead to unprecedented forms of crime, stating, “AI is not just a tool but it’s an agent misused by humans.” She cautioned that autonomous systems might redefine criminal behaviour in the future.
The experts shared a common viewpoint: to combat cybercrime effectively, society must adopt a collective approach that prioritises digital literacy and victim support.
Empowering communities through digital literacy and support
The panellists stressed the importance of digital literacy in combating cybercrime, as it equips individuals with essential knowledge and tools to protect themselves and promotes a secure online environment for everyone. In Pakistan, cultural attitudes often impede progress, as many victims of scams and online sexual violence fear being blamed. This social conditioning discourages those who are already vulnerable from seeking assistance.
With cyber threats on the rise, fostering a culture of empathy and understanding is essential. Panellists advocated for a shift in societal attitudes, encouraging communities to empower and support victims rather than casting blame.