The police have registered separate cases against the suspects but no arrests were made till this report was filed. PHOTO:FILE

LAHORE: Fake Facebook profiles, non-consensual use of information, blackmailing and unsolicited messages seemed to be the most common forms of online harassment over the last year across the country.



This was according to the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) which released its Cyber Harassment Helpline: One-Year Report on Wednesday.



The report contains data collected by the helpline, which highlights the nature and extent of problem of online harassment. It also contains recommendations for public bodies to improve their institutional response to online harassment.



The Cyber Harassment Helpline was launched on December 1, 2016 and is Pakistan's first dedicated helpline addressing issues of online abuse and violence. It aims to provide a free, safe, gender-sensitive and confidential service.



It provides legal advice, digital security support and psychological counselling to victims of online harassment. The toll-free number [0800-39393] is available from 9am to 5pm.



Founder and Executive Director of DRF Nighat Dad explained that the "The helpline aims to fill the gaps of service delivery to complainants and victims of online harassment. It hopes to do what law enforcement and other organisations cannot, while paying special heed to gender-sensitivity and mental health."



This report marks the one-year anniversary of the helpline. During its first year, the helpline has received 1,551 complaints in the form of calls, emails and Facebook messages from December 1, 2016 until November 30, 2017.



The helpline has so far received a total 1,476 calls on its toll-free number. The helpline was originally only operational on weekdays, but in August, it was expanded to seven days a week to meet the needs of its callers. This has resulted in an increase in the average number of monthly calls from 82 in the first six months to 123 by November.



About 67% of the calls at the helpline were by women, whereas 33% of the callers were men. Facebook remains the most widely reported platform, with 45% of callers experiencing harassment on the platform.



Of the kinds of harassment reported, complaints of fake profiles, non-consensual use of information, blackmailing and unsolicited messages were most common.



The helpline was able to identify locations that most were from Punjab (50%). The helpline also received calls from Sindh (18%), K-PK (5%), Balochistan (2%), Azad Kashmir and FATA (1%) and Islamabad (5%).



Published in The Express Tribune, December 21st, 2017.