DEEPFAKE CRIMES AND LEGAL GAPS IN PAKISTAN:A CRIMINOLOGICAL REVIEW OF PECA IN LAHORE

Abstract

This study explores the intersection of emerging digital threats and legislative inadequacy in Pakistan, with a particular focus on the legal gaps surrounding deepfake crimes. Despite the enactment of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) in 2016, the law remains silent on issues concerning synthetic media, AI-generated impersonation, and non-consensual deepfake content. Using a criminological framework, this research investigates the level of awareness regarding deepfakes and PECA among 100 university students in Lahore, drawn equally from four academic disciplines: Information Technology, Medical Sciences, Social Sciences, and Arts & Humanities. The study adopts a quantitative survey design, supported by descriptive statistics and visual analysis. Findings reveal that only 10% of respondents were aware of deepfakes and 15% had knowledge of PECA. Willingness to report deepfake harassment was low, with 65% of hesitant participants citing fear of social backlash. The study identifies key legislative and institutional shortcomings and applies criminological theories such as labeling theory and strain theory to explain patterns of victim silence and perpetrator behavior. It concludes with practical recommendations for amending PECA, strengthening institutional capacity, and embedding digital safety education across higher education institutions in Pakistan.