PECA cases lodged over deepfake content

Police have registered three cases under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2025 for allegedly uploading AI-generated deepfake immoral videos and images of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on social media and spreading malicious propaganda against state institutions.

Police have registered three FIRs in Shahdara, Shahdara Town, and Kot Lakhpat against individuals accused of spreading AI-generated defamatory content on social media. The cases include charges under sections 500, 504, and 505-1(C) of the Pakistan Penal Code, along with the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2025.

Section 500 deals with defamation, carrying a punishment of up to two years in prison, a fine, or both. Section 504 penalizes intentional insults provoking a breach of peace, while Section 505-1(C) targets statements inciting violence between communities, with imprisonment of up to seven years. The amended cybercrime law now includes Section 26(A), which punishes spreading false information online with up to three years in jail or a fine of Rs2 million.

FIR accuses Rana Mohammad Dawood of uploading an AI-generated immoral video of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Facebook to damage her reputation. Another FIR, filed in Kot Lakhpat, alleges that an unknown individual shared fabricated video clips on a social media page named The Last Hope, targeting state institutions. The third FIR claims certain individuals are spreading fake narratives against national security institutions to incite unrest.

Police have not yet arrested any suspects, but investigations are ongoing. Authorities warn against spreading misinformation, emphasizing strict legal action against those involved in cyber defamation.