The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has exposed a massive illegal network of 139 platforms involved in selling sensitive data of Pakistani citizens. The platforms included websites, mobile apps, and social media accounts, raising alarming concerns over data protection and cybersecurity in the country.
The background to this action stems from rising cybercrime cases and repeated reports of citizens’ data leaks. Authorities believe the operation highlights the urgent need for strict laws and robust cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard personal information.
According to officials, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has already blocked all identified platforms, while further steps will include case registrations and arrests of those involved.
| Platform Type | Count Identified |
| Mobile Apps | 18 |
| Websites | 17 |
| YouTube Channels | 2 |
| Facebook Accounts | 75 |
| Instagram Accounts | 10 |
| Telegram Accounts | 12 |
| TikTok Accounts | 10 |
| WhatsApp Groups | 1 |
An NCCIA spokesperson said:
“The operation marks only the first phase. We will now move towards formal case registration and arrest of culprits behind these platforms.”
This discovery underscores Pakistan’s growing cybersecurity challenges, making stricter regulation and advanced monitoring systems more critical than ever.