SMS senders find new ways to dodge FIA

[Naveed Yaseen]

* SMS senders alter content to outwit monitors
* Banned entities use SMS to cause civil unrest

By Rana Kashif

LAHORE: Individuals sending text messages have adopted a new method to defy the government after it directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to take action against the circulation of slanderous text messages against the government, politicians or armed forces.

After the government directed the FIA to charge people sending such messages under the Cyber Crime Act and to sentence them to 14 years of imprisonment and/or confiscation of property, people have become careful of their word selection instead of discontinuing the practice.

Altered content: After the government’s directions, people using short message services (SMS) did not alter the subject matter of their messages. The language of such messages had, however, become ironic and defamatory words had been changed into positive ones. The principal focus of the message was praised and the receiver was asked whether the actual meaning had been understood.

After the government issued the ban on disparaging text messages, this news was circulated widely along with warnings to be careful.

Citizens have been criticising the government’s move as being one that restricts civil liberty just like the tax imposition on SMS services.

Unrest: Earlier, the government directed the FIA to crack down on individuals involved in cyber crime and the misuse of SMS by banned organisations to fulfill their agenda. The Interior Ministry had directed the agency to monitor the content of text messages sent by such organisations.

These messages were aimed at rallying the public in the organisation’s favour and to provoke them against the government as well as broadcasting its activities and agenda of creating unrest in the country.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...009_pg13_1