Spreading Fake News and AI Memes Declared a Punishable Offense
Law to act immediately against the dissemination of false news. Punjab Police spokesperson
Punjab Police spokesperson said that sharing, retweeting, reposting, forwarding, or promoting false, fabricated, or misleading news or content on social media falls under the category of spreading fake news, which is a punishable offense. Punjab Police spokesperson said that while Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees freedom of expression, it cannot be used as a cover to malign the judiciary, the state, national security, or security institutions through slander, defamation, or character assassination. He further clarified that spreading character assassination of any individual or institution through AI-generated memes, posts, videos, or any other content on social media is not only morally wrong but also constitutes a punishable offense. Punjab Police spokesperson warned that anyone using fake news, false posts, AI memes, or videos merely to increase their viewership or fame will be held accountable under the law. He said that in cases of circulating fabricated, unverified, or false news or content on social media, the law will take immediate action. Punjab Police spokesperson appealed to citizens to refrain from sharing, forwarding, or promoting any kind of fake news, false posts, AI memes, or videos on social media to avoid legal consequences.
(Handout No. 37)
Syed Mubasher Hussain
Director Public Relations
Punjab Police
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