In response to rising tensions in the Indo-Pak region, the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) has issued a high-priority advisory urging media organizations, freelance journalists, digital content creators, and the general public to exercise extreme caution when posting or sharing content related to military activities.
The advisory highlights a surge in the circulation of videos, images, and commentary revealing troop movements and sensitive military operations on social media and public forums. National CERT warned that such disclosures—whether intentional or accidental—pose serious risks to national security by compromising operational effectiveness and providing adversaries with critical intelligence.
“Real-time disclosure of troop locations or movements may aid hostile surveillance, sabotage, or targeted attacks,” the advisory stated. It also cautioned against the growing threat of misinformation, disinformation, and synthetic media such as deepfakes, which can manipulate public perception, erode trust, and escalate regional tensions.
The advisory stressed that not only media professionals but also social media influencers and the general public could inadvertently contribute to these security threats.
To mitigate these risks, National CERT recommended refraining from filming or publishing material that exposes military activities, avoiding live updates from sensitive areas, and verifying the authenticity of any audio-visual content before sharing. The advisory also urged the use of deepfake detection tools, multi-stage editorial checks, and strict adherence to ethical journalism standards.
Legal compliance was emphasized, reminding all stakeholders that unauthorized disclosure of strategic information is punishable under national security laws. Media organizations were encouraged to train all contributors, including freelancers, on legal boundaries during conflict reporting.
National CERT further called for public awareness campaigns, workshops, and distribution of advisory materials to promote a culture of caution and responsibility in digital communication. The agency underscored that every individual and organization has a vital role in safeguarding national security and maintaining public order.
