Authorities have recently cracked down on the misuse of AI technology, arresting 17 individuals, including two women, for creating and sharing AI-generated images and videos targeting prominent figures like Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the President of the UAE.
The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cybercrime Wing has registered 18 cases related to this issue and is actively pursuing more suspects. According to FIA officials, legal actions have been taken not only against those who created and shared the content but also against those who liked or commented on it.
FIA Cybercrime Wing Additional Director Muhammad Sarfraz Chaudhry, alongside Deputy Director Zawar Ahmed, shared the progress in a press conference. They revealed that individuals involved in such acts have been identified and are facing legal action. Efforts are also being made to bring back offenders operating from abroad with the help of Interpol.
Sarfraz Chaudhry mentioned high-profile cases, including the extradition process for individuals like Adil Raja and Shehbaz Gill, who have been declared absconders. The authorities are working on issuing red warrants to bring them back to Pakistan and ensure strict penalties.
The arrested individuals fall into four categories: those who created the AI-generated content, those who shared it, those who commented on it, and those who liked the posts. Among the 17 arrested, eight have been sent to judicial custody, while nine are under physical remand.
To prevent such activities in the future, the FIA has submitted recommendations to the Ministry of Law to strengthen penalties under the Cybercrime Act of 2016. These updates aim to deter people from engaging in harmful online activities.
This issue highlights the growing concerns about the misuse of advanced technology and the need for stricter regulations to ensure online safety. The FIA’s actions serve as a strong reminder that the digital space is not a place for spreading harmful or offensive content.
