The Cogito Media Foundation (CMF) has announced plans to pursue legal action over the blocking, banning and restriction of social media accounts belonging to journalists and digital content creators, citing concerns over press freedom and freedom of expression.
The foundation has urged affected journalists, digital media professionals and content creators to submit details of their cases, along with supporting documents and screenshots, to cogitomediafoundation@gmail.com. The information will help the organisation document the incidents and explore possible legal remedies.
Shams Tabrez Qasmi, founder and head of Millat Times, criticised the restrictions, alleging that the government was attempting to silence media organisations and independent journalists reporting on issues of public interest.
“The government wants to suppress the voice of the media that wants to show the truth. This poses a threat to the fourth pillar of democracy. Independent journalists are important to the people, and the government wants to suppress their voices,” Qasmi said.
Speaking on behalf of CMF, Qasmi said the foundation would approach the courts to raise the concerns of journalists and media professionals whose social media accounts had been blocked or shut down.
Foundation Seeks Details of Blocked Accounts
CMF said it was beginning a collective effort to document cases involving journalists, digital media organisations and content creators whose social media pages or accounts had been blocked, banned or restricted.
The foundation has asked affected individuals and organisations to share links to their accounts or channels, details of the action taken by platforms, official notices or emails, screenshots and other relevant documents.
It said the information would help assess the nature of the restrictions and identify possible legal remedies.
CMF said its objective was to defend the rights of journalists and digital content creators and build a collective response to restrictions it considers arbitrary or unjustified.
Concerns Over Digital Media Freedom
The announcement comes amid concerns among media professionals about their access to digital platforms and their ability to reach audiences.
Social media platforms have become important channels for independent journalists and digital news organisations to publish reports, distribute videos and engage with readers. Account suspensions and restrictions can affect their ability to disseminate information and maintain contact with audiences.
CMF said it would work towards protecting digital media freedom and providing affected journalists with a platform to raise their concerns.
Journalists, digital media professionals and content creators who have experienced such restrictions, as well as those aware of similar cases, can send relevant details and supporting evidence to cogitomediafoundation@gmail.com.
The foundation has not provided details of specific legal proceedings or a timeline for filing cases.
