Meta, formerly known as the Facebook Company, has partnered with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan to inform people about e-commerce fraud and offer advice on being secure online (TDAP). Internet fraud and scams are common in Pakistan, mostly due to a lack of digital literacy among the populace.
As per a Meta spokesperson, popular Pakistani content producers like Romaisa Khan and Bilal Munir are also collaborating with Meta to inform their followers on Facebook and Instagram. They will offer advice in Urdu, urging both buyers and sellers to be cautious of online scams. The initiative started on Safer Internet Day, February 7, and will continue through March.
Beth Ann Lim, the director of Meta’s Policy Programmes for the Asia Pacific region, commented on the collaboration, highlighting that while the company aimed to connect people and facilitate online transactions, some people misused the platform to operate scams.
According to Kamran Gandapur, Director General of PTA’s Online Analysis Division, online frauds remain a significant issue for consumers and businesses. Therefore, PTA and TDAP will work together in March to distribute information on account security and fraud detection to a broader audience to raise awareness among online users.