According to the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), WhatsApp and Facebook were the most commonly utilised apps in Pakistan to harass women.

DRF, a Pakistani research-focused NGO, has released its annual report on the five-year cyber harassment helpline. The DRF’s helpline for combating online abuse and harassment will reach a five-year milestone in 2022.

In the last five years, the online harassment helpline has received over 11,681 cases. In 2021, there were 4,441 cases received, with an average of 370 instances each month. The months of March and September saw a spike in reports, while the remainder of the year was quite constant. In 2021, 893 complaints were related to blackmail, and 727 incidents on the helpline involved the use of non-consensual photos, according to the study.

Nighat Dad, DRF’s Executive Director, said:

The alarming rate at which incidences of cyber harassment are escalating should serve as a wake-up call for us to take action to make the internet a safe and equal platform for all. We will continue to see and experience the same discriminatory practises against vulnerable groups online unless all relevant parties take structural change measures.

The region’s first specialised helpline against cyber violence and harassment, the cyber-harassment helpline, was opened in December 2016. The toll-free number (0800-39393) is available Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and includes email and social media help.

The post WhatsApp, Facebook Most Frequently Used Apps to Harass Pakistani Women appeared first on Techlist.

Cyber crime is one the most increasing crimes in Pakistan. Were technology has increased to a surprisingly level it has some disadvantages too. One of them is cyber crime. People are becoming more access able and that’s creating the loss of privacy. But the problem has been solved to an extent as Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) has announced the launch of Pakistan’s first ‘Cyber Harassment Helpline’ on December 1, 2016.

During Human Rights Tulip Awards Nighat Dad received an award for her services towards Digital Rights Foundation. She received a sum of €100,000 so that she can continue her mission. Nighat Dad is the founder and CEO of Digital Rights Foundation Pakistan.

When she received the award, she decided and announced, to use this money for launching of first ever Cyber Harassment Helpline. And now, DRF has officially announced that helpline will go live from December 1st. It states on DRF’s Face book page,

“It will provide a free, safe, and confidential service to victims on online harassment. The Helpline aims to provide legal advice, digital security support, psychological counseling, and a referral system to victims.”

DRF is a registered research based non-government organization (NGO) which focuses on information and communications technology (ICT) to support human rights, democratic processes and digital governance. It believes in online freedom of expression and rights to privacy for minorities, women and dissidents.

This aims to ‘End Online Violence against Women. This campaign promotes free and secure digital environment for women. Any online abuse can be reported on Cyber Harassment Helpline 0800-39393.

A really good change! All the ladies out there can now feel safe and secure.

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“Freedom of expression is under pressure in Pakistan. Increasing restrictions are being placed on the digital freedoms of individuals and civil society organizations alike. Ms Dad is a staunch defender of digital rights and the importance of protecting women and girls and marginalized groups on social media. Mr. Koenders hopes that this prize will serve as a gesture of support for the freedom of internet users, especially women.” The Government of Netherlands said while announcing the award. Source

We all are well aware of the fact that women are bullied usually and nowadays when technology is getting advance day by day cyber bullying is getting more common. Nighat Dad, Founder and CEO of Digital Rights Foundation and a popular face for the digital rights activism in Pakistan has been awarded the 2016 Human Rights Tulip Award.

The award has been announced but the official award is going to be handed over on 10th December that is Human Rights Day, at The Hague, where Nighat Dad will be handed over a bronze sculpture and €100,000 to further her cause.

The Human Rights Tulip is a coveted award for all those people who have tried to protect their community in different and unique ways.

Nighat being the activist has always worked for betterment of the community. She is selfless because she has planned to use the prize money for setting up Pakistan’s first ever cyber harassment hotline. The hotline intends to safeguard all women against cyber bullying.

She aims the end of hate, anger, and negativity on digital circles due to which there is a huge feeling of insecurity. The hotline will help, guide and connect the victims to relevant authorities for quick solutions.

This would be a really important advancement as people will feel safe online. Firstly congratulating the selfless hero Nighat and wishing a very best of luck for her aim.

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