Pakistan Calls for Global Action to Curb Tech Giants’ Influence and Combat Online Islamophobia

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has warned of the growing influence of global technology giants over online discourse, calling for stronger international action to combat Islamophobia, disinformation, and censorship that threaten freedom of expression, particularly in conflict zones and territories under foreign occupation.

This warning comes amid intense international debate over the power of digital platforms to shape public opinion, the proliferation of misleading information during conflicts, and the delicate balance between government regulation of online content and the protection of fundamental rights.

Addressing the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee during a debate on information, Pakistani diplomat Amanat Ali called for greater international cooperation to protect the integrity of information online. He warned that emerging technologies could be weaponized to manipulate public opinion and undermine trust.

“We must address the growing concentration of influence among multinational technology corporations and digital platforms, whose opaque algorithms and content policies increasingly shape public discourse,” Ali said, according to a statement released by Pakistan’s UN mission.

He warned that misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech are increasingly being weaponized to polarize societies, manipulate public opinion, and undermine public trust, particularly in active conflict zones and under foreign occupation.

“Internet shutdowns, censorship, digital surveillance, and restrictive media laws are employed to suppress legitimate voices, distort realities, and delegitimize struggles for fundamental rights and self-determination,” he stated.

Against this backdrop, Pakistan called for stronger global efforts to counter Islamophobia, racism, and xenophobia, highlighting the broader dangers posed by hate speech and intolerance in an increasingly polarized information environment.

Ali noted that while rapid advances in artificial intelligence offer opportunities to accelerate development and expand access to knowledge, the technology also poses significant risks if misused to deceive the public and manipulate opinion.

He called for greater international cooperation to ensure the responsible, transparent, and accountable use of emerging technologies, while fully respecting countries’ rights to regulate their digital environments.

“Respect for digital sovereignty rights and the rights of states to regulate their digital environment in accordance with international law and their national frameworks must remain central to our collective approach,” Ali said.

He urged the UN Department of Global Communications to strengthen its outreach through digital platforms, local languages, and partnerships with member states, while allocating more resources to multilingual communication.

Ali also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to freedom of expression, media independence, and access to information, stating that Pakistan is ready to work with other UN member states toward building a more credible, inclusive, and responsible global information environment.

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