As tensions rise in the Indo-Pak region, the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) has issued a high-priority advisory urging media professionals, content creators, and the public to exercise extreme discretion in sharing or publishing content related to military movements or operations. The advisory is a timely warning in response to the growing circulation of sensitive videos, images, and commentary across social media platforms and other public forums.
According to National CERT, the uncontrolled dissemination of such content—whether intentional or accidental—poses a significant threat to national security. It can compromise operational secrecy, weaken strategic advantage, and provide adversaries with actionable intelligence. The advisory highlights the dangers of sharing real-time visuals of troop movements or deployments, stressing that even minor details can aid hostile surveillance efforts, sabotage operations, or trigger targeted attacks.
This advisory reflects growing concerns over the evolving nature of digital warfare, where social media activity can have real-world consequences. National CERT has pointed to the increasing risks posed by misinformation, disinformation, and manipulated media, including synthetic content like deepfakes. These tools, which can distort facts and mislead public perception, are increasingly being used to sow confusion and escalate conflicts. The advisory warns that even those who consider themselves passive observers—such as social media users or influencers—may unintentionally contribute to national vulnerabilities by sharing unverified or sensitive content.
To prevent such risks, National CERT has outlined a series of best practices for all stakeholders. Media professionals are advised to avoid publishing footage or updates that may reveal operational details, especially from sensitive or conflict-prone zones. The use of real-time live streams or unvetted images from the field should be strictly avoided. Additionally, media houses and digital platforms are encouraged to invest in deepfake detection tools and to implement multi-stage editorial verification processes to authenticate any potentially sensitive visual material before publication.
The advisory also stresses the importance of understanding the legal implications of information disclosure during times of heightened national alert. Unauthorized sharing of strategic or military information is not only irresponsible but also a punishable offense under national security laws. As such, media organizations are urged to ensure that all team members—including freelancers, citizen journalists, and field correspondents—are well-versed in the boundaries of lawful reporting during such periods.
Beyond professional circles, the general public is also being asked to act with greater awareness and caution. National CERT is advocating for wider public education on responsible digital communication through workshops, awareness drives, and the circulation of official advisory materials. The message is clear: national security is a shared responsibility, and digital vigilance is a key part of that collective effort.
In a digital era where every citizen is a potential broadcaster, the National CERT’s advisory serves as a crucial reminder of the far-reaching consequences of a single post or video. With regional tensions running high, the need for responsible content sharing is more critical than ever. This proactive approach by the country’s top cybersecurity authority underscores the importance of aligning digital behavior with national security interests, especially during sensitive geopolitical developments.
