As tensions intensify between India and Pakistan, the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) has issued a high-priority advisory. This urgent message calls on media professionals, social media influencers, digital creators, and the general public to exercise extreme caution when posting or sharing any content related to military activities. The aim is to prevent the accidental or intentional spread of sensitive information that could put national security at risk.
Why the Warning Was Issued
National CERT has observed a recent increase in the circulation of videos, photos, and comments exposing troop movements and military operations across social media platforms. While some individuals may post such material unknowingly, it can have serious consequences. These include compromising military missions, revealing strategic operations, and giving foreign adversaries access to valuable intelligence.
Real-time updates about troop locations and military activities can even enable enemy surveillance or attacks. Additionally, spreading this type of content increases the chance of misinformation and disinformation, especially when synthetic media like deepfakes are involved. These manipulative tools can alter public perception, create panic, and further escalate conflicts between nations.
Not Just a Media Concern
The advisory isn’t limited to news outlets. National CERT emphasizes that anyone with a smartphone or access to the internet can inadvertently become a threat to national security. This includes content creators, vloggers, live streamers, freelance journalists, and even ordinary citizens. Many times, well-meaning individuals share posts or footage without realizing the implications, leading to serious risks for military personnel and national interests.
What You Should Avoid
National CERT strongly advises everyone to avoid the following actions:
- Filming or sharing videos that reveal military bases, equipment, or troop movements
- Posting live updates or check-ins from sensitive or high-conflict regions
- Spreading unverified reports related to military actions or national defense
- Sharing altered or AI-generated content without verification
Steps You Should Take
To help prevent the spread of harmful information, the advisory offers the following guidelines:
- Always verify audio-visual content before posting or forwarding it
- Use tools to detect deepfakes or manipulated videos
- Delay posting any material that may show sensitive areas or activity
- Train media teams and contributors, especially freelancers, about legal and ethical reporting during conflict
- Ensure content complies with national laws and does not violate the Official Secrets Act
Legal Consequences for Unauthorized Disclosures
National CERT reminds all stakeholders that sharing confidential or strategic military information is a criminal offense. Violators may face prosecution, heavy fines, or even imprisonment depending on the nature of the breach. Media organizations are urged to review their editorial practices and provide legal training to their teams, especially when covering stories in high-risk regions.
Call for Public Responsibility
To encourage safer digital behavior, National CERT is launching awareness campaigns, organizing training workshops, and distributing official guidance to media professionals and the general public. These initiatives are aimed at promoting responsible online conduct and protecting national interests during these tense times.
National CERT concludes by stressing the importance of caution: In these critical times, every individual has a role to play in preserving national security. Think before you post. Verify before you share.
