The Digital Rights Foundation, an advocacy group striving for a free and open internet in Pakistan, has launched a cyber harassment helpline aiming to help victims of online bullying, blackmailing, and extortion.
Nighat Dad, founder of Digital Rights Foundation, says that complaints about online harassment, especially from women, spiked so much in the past two years that this helpline was a necessity.
The helpline is currently manned by four people, and operates on weekdays between 9 am to 5 pm local time. The people attending calls are professionally trained and equipped to handle complaints ranging from law, cybersecurity, and digital rights. There’s also a counselor available for those who require urgent attention.
It’s funded to the extent of US$30,000 spanning grants from Urgent Action Fund and Open Technology Fund. Nighat says the cash is projected to sustain operations for roughly six months, after which they’ll need to raise more money.
The helpline can be accessed toll-free by dialing (0092) 0800 – 39393.
Source: https://www.techinasia.com/cyber-harassment-helpline-pakistan