A wave of digitally fabricated content targeting Pakistani public figures is raising concerns about online privacy and the potential for malicious disinformation campaigns. The incidents, involving actresses Mathira Khan and Alina Amir, and more recently, reports surrounding an individual named Angel Nuzhat, highlight a growing trend of deepfakes and fabricated videos circulating on social media platforms.
The latest controversy centers on alleged explicit content linked to Angel Nuzhat, with reports suggesting a 12-minute video is being widely shared online. However, authorities and cybersecurity experts are warning that the video is likely a scam designed to lure users into malicious links. NewsX reports that the link is part of a cyber scam.
This follows a similar incident involving Alina Amir, a Pakistani social media influencer who gained prominence after a viral TikTok video. Amir was targeted with a deepfake video falsely attributed to her, prompting her to publicly address the issue. She initially chose to remain silent, believing the content didn’t warrant attention, but spoke out when the fabricated video repeatedly appeared on her own social media accounts. Amir emphasized the severity of such actions, stating they constitute harassment and are punishable by law, and called for stricter action against those responsible. Pakistan Today reported that Amir received support from the social media community for her stance.
Prior to Amir’s case, actress and television host Mathira Khan was also the subject of a fabricated video circulating online. Khan dismissed the clips as fake and fabricated, stating her name, photos, and old clips were being misused. Newstrack reported on the controversy surrounding Khan, noting the trend highlights a disturbing pattern of privacy abuse, and misinformation. According to Stackumbrella, Khan has over 2.5 million followers on Instagram and is known for her bold fashion style and fearless opinions.
These incidents underscore a broader concern about the increasing sophistication and accessibility of deepfake technology. The ease with which fabricated content can be created and disseminated poses a significant threat to individuals’ reputations and online safety. The repeated circulation of previously debunked content, as noted in the case of Mathira Khan, demonstrates the persistence of misinformation online and the challenges of effectively removing it.
The cases of Khan, Amir, and Nuzhat are not isolated incidents. They represent a growing trend of cyber harassment and the misuse of artificial intelligence to create and spread false information. Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and verify content before sharing it, emphasizing the importance of responsible online behavior in combating the spread of disinformation.
Alina Amir, who gained a substantial following on both Instagram (over 2.5 million followers) and TikTok (nearly 2.3 million followers) after recreating a popular Bollywood dialogue, has become a vocal advocate for online safety. Her experience highlights the vulnerability of social media influencers to such attacks and the need for greater protection against digital harassment. Her Instagram profile can be found @alinaamiirr.
The incidents also raise questions about the responsibility of social media platforms in addressing the spread of deepfakes and fabricated content. While platforms have implemented measures to detect and remove such material, the speed and scale at which it can be disseminated often outpace these efforts. Further investment in detection technologies and stricter enforcement of platform policies are likely needed to effectively combat this growing threat.
