A RECENT advisory issued by the National Telecommunication and Information Technology Security Board has caused a bit of a stir, while also bringing attention to the important function the board quietly performs. The NITB, which works under the Cabinet Division and issues policy directives for technology use and security in the government sector, recently flagged 16 ‘browser extensions’ for their vulnerability to hacking and data breaches. Though its advisory was a fairly routine one, it triggered much confusion when a few social and even mainstream media outlets misinterpreted it to mean that the NITB had found security issues with major artificial intelligence applications that are in vogue these days. The issues were, in fact, found in free tools created by third parties to integrate directly with internet browsers, but this got lost in the noise. The episode highlighted how easily average citizens, including those ‘reporting’ for the public, can be misled when there is inadequate understanding of modern technologies.

The NITB, a high-powered forum, mainly serves state interests in securing information and telecommunication technologies. Its mandate also covers the private sector. Unfortunately, its work does not seem to get the attention it deserves, even though ordinary citizens who use modern technologies daily could benefit immensely from the advisories it issues, especially those that pertain to circulating disinformation or security-related issues uncovered in widely used technologies. Over the past two years, for example, it has issued pertinent guidelines about how to use modern smartphones safely and securely, and also warned about serious issues with common CCTV solutions that are used to secure residential or commercial premises. With new technologies coming out almost every day, it is important for entities like the NITB to continue protecting the safety and interests of not just the Pakistani state but also its citizens. Meanwhile, it is the responsibility of those reporting on the work of such watchdogs to do so with care.

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2025