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Time Business News
2 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Pakistan's Digital Marketing Industry Faces Credibility Crisis
Pakistan's digital marketing landscape stands at a crossroads. As the country embraces digital transformation with unprecedented enthusiasm, a darker reality lurks beneath the surface of glossy social media campaigns and influencer endorsements. Additionally, Digital Marketing And SEO in Pakistan is grappling with a credibility crisis that threatens to undermine years of progress and erode the foundation of consumer trust that digital commerce depends upon. The statistics paint a troubling picture. Pakistan recorded an 18 percent increase in phishing attempts in 2024 compared to the previous year, with cybercriminals increasingly targeting the digital marketing ecosystem. Meanwhile, the ongoing surge in fraudulent activity coincides with the rapid expansion of Pakistan's digital economy, where social media influencers and online marketing have become central to how businesses reach consumers. At the heart of this crisis lies a fundamental problem: authenticity. The influencer marketing sector, which has become a cornerstone of digital advertising in Pakistan, is plagued by widespread fraud. Industry research indicates that approximately 49 percent of influencers globally have engaged in some form of follower fraud, including purchasing fake followers or using automated bots to inflate their reach. Pakistan's influencer ecosystem has not been immune to these practices. The consequences extend far beyond inflated follower counts. When brands invest their marketing budgets based on fraudulent metrics, they are essentially throwing money into a digital void. According to a leading SEO agency based in Pakistan, ripple effects damage not only the brands themselves but also legitimate influencers who are competing in an increasingly polluted marketplace where fake engagement often trumps authentic connection. While the search results do reveal concerning trends about online fraud in Pakistan – including that phishing and scam activity increased by over 94% since 2020, with 2.2 million fraudulent sites detected in August 2023 alone. Additionally, Pakistani citizens lost over PKR 10 billion to online scams. The problem is exacerbated by the ease with which fraudulent practices can be implemented. Online scams in Pakistan have become increasingly sophisticated, with scammers impersonating established brands, creating fake social media profiles, and developing elaborate schemes to deceive both businesses and consumers. The Digital Rights Protection initiatives launched by the government represent a step in the right direction, but the scale of the problem demands more comprehensive action. Small and medium enterprises, which form the backbone of Pakistan's economy, are particularly vulnerable. Many lack the resources to implement sophisticated fraud detection systems or to thoroughly vet influencer partnerships. They rely on surface-level metrics like follower counts and engagement rates, making them easy targets for fraudulent actors who have mastered the art of manufacturing these numbers. When consumers are repeatedly exposed to fake reviews, sponsored content that isn't properly disclosed, and influencer partnerships that prioritize payment over genuine product experience, they become skeptical of all digital marketing messages. This erosion of trust creates a challenging environment for legitimate businesses trying to build authentic relationships with their customers. The regulatory landscape in Pakistan is struggling to keep pace with these evolving challenges. While authorities have begun implementing measures to combat online fraud, the specific nuances of digital marketing authenticity require specialized approaches. Traditional fraud prevention methods are often inadequate when dealing with sophisticated bot networks and carefully crafted fake personas. International experience offers valuable lessons. Countries that have successfully addressed similar challenges have focused on multi-pronged approaches combining regulatory oversight, industry self-regulation, and technological solutions. Artificial intelligence and machine learning tools have emerged as powerful weapons against influencer fraud, capable of detecting patterns that human reviewers might miss. The path forward requires collective action from all stakeholders. The Pakistan government must develop comprehensive regulations specifically addressing digital marketing authenticity, including mandatory disclosure requirements for sponsored content and penalties for fraudulent practices. Industry associations should establish certification programs for influencers and agencies, creating standards that help brands identify legitimate partners. Technology companies and platform providers bear significant responsibility in this equation. Social media platforms must invest more heavily in fraud detection systems and be more transparent about their efforts to combat fake accounts and engagement. They should also provide better tools for brands to verify the authenticity of influencer metrics. Educational initiatives are equally crucial. Many businesses, particularly smaller ones, lack the knowledge to identify fraudulent practices. Training programs and resources that help marketers develop skills in detecting fake influencers and understanding authentic engagement patterns could significantly reduce the prevalence of fraud. The stakes could not be higher for Pakistan's digital economy. As the country positions itself as a regional technology hub and seeks to leverage its young, digitally-savvy population for economic growth, the integrity of its digital marketing ecosystem becomes a competitive advantage. Countries with more trustworthy digital advertising environments will naturally attract more investment and achieve better outcomes for their businesses. Pakistan's digital marketing industry has the potential to be a significant driver of economic growth and innovation. However, realizing this potential requires immediate and sustained action to address the authenticity crisis. The cost of inaction extends beyond individual businesses to the broader economic ecosystem that depends on digital commerce. The time for half-measures has passed. Pakistan needs a comprehensive strategy that combines robust regulation, industry accountability, technological innovation, and education to restore credibility to its digital marketing sector. Only through such coordinated efforts can the country ensure that its digital transformation delivers genuine value rather than elaborate facades. The choice is clear: Pakistan can either lead by example in creating a trustworthy digital marketing environment, or it can continue down a path where fraud undermines the very foundations of digital commerce. The decisions made today will determine whether Pakistan's digital marketing industry becomes a model for other developing nations or a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked growth without adequate oversight. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Federal support key to expanding digital access across Sabah, says Hajiji
Hajiji (fourth right) receiving a souvenir from Gobind during a courtesy visit to his office at Menara Kinabalu on Thursday. KOTA KINABALU (June 19): The Sabah State Government remains committed to expanding digital access to all segments of society, including rural communities, and is confident that this effort will be accelerated with the support of the Federal Government. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said digital transformation is one of the key components of the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan, aimed at stimulating technology-based economic growth and enhancing the efficiency of public service delivery. He said this during a courtesy visit by the Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo, at his office in Menara Kinabalu on Thursday. Hajiji said the state welcomes stronger cooperation with Putrajaya in supporting Sabah's digital agenda and expressed his appreciation for Gobind's ongoing commitment to help bridge the digital divide in the state. The visit formed part of Gobind's official working trip to Sabah, which also included his attendance at the Sabah-level meeting of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Digital Economy Council (MED4IR). Present at the meeting were State Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Datuk Mohd Arif; State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Sr Safar Untong; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Sabah, Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Mohd Kassim and senior officials from the Ministry of Digital Malaysia.
Dubai Eye
3 days ago
- Business
- Dubai Eye
UAE strives to deepen ties with Germany in technology, science sectors
A UAE delegation led by Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, has concluded a "successful" visit to Germany that focused on strengthening cooperation in the technology sector, while expanding strategic collaboration in science and innovation. The mission began in Berlin with participation in GITEX Europe, followed by high-level bilateral meetings with representatives of the German government. Sharaf held meetings in Berlin with Dr. Karsten Wildberger, Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and State Modernisation; Dr. Silke Launert, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Research, Technology, and Space; and Gitta Connemann, State Secretary and Government Commissioner for SMEs at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy. The delegation participated in a roundtable organised by NUMOV, one of Germany's largest organisations promoting economic development between Germany and MENA countries. Furthermore, the delegation visited the Merantix AI Campus, and took part in a roundtable hosted by the Ghorfa Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Furthermore, Sharaf attended the TECH25 Conference in Heilbronn, where he participated in an interview by Handlesblatt and engaged with industry leaders and innovators on the future of advanced technologies. The delegation also held bilateral meetings with various government entities in Stuttgart. The visit included meetings with Danyal Bayaz, Minister of Finance, and Christoph Werner, CEO of dm-drogerie mark. The UAE delegation underscored the importance of international partnerships in fostering innovation, enhancing global technology security, and advancing collective progress in research and development. The delegation included Ahmed Alattar, UAE Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany; Rashid Al Teneiji, Director of Economic and Trade Affairs Department; and Nouf Al Hameli, Science and Advanced Technology Adviser, along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the EDGE Group.
TAG 91.1
3 days ago
- Business
- TAG 91.1
UAE strives to deepen ties with Germany in technology, science sectors
A UAE delegation led by Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, has concluded a "successful" visit to Germany that focused on strengthening cooperation in the technology sector, while expanding strategic collaboration in science and innovation. The mission began in Berlin with participation in GITEX Europe, followed by high-level bilateral meetings with representatives of the German government. Sharaf held meetings in Berlin with Dr. Karsten Wildberger, Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and State Modernisation; Dr. Silke Launert, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Research, Technology, and Space; and Gitta Connemann, State Secretary and Government Commissioner for SMEs at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy. The delegation participated in a roundtable organised by NUMOV, one of Germany's largest organisations promoting economic development between Germany and MENA countries. Furthermore, the delegation visited the Merantix AI Campus, and took part in a roundtable hosted by the Ghorfa Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Furthermore, Sharaf attended the TECH25 Conference in Heilbronn, where he participated in an interview by Handlesblatt and engaged with industry leaders and innovators on the future of advanced technologies. The delegation also held bilateral meetings with various government entities in Stuttgart. The visit included meetings with Danyal Bayaz, Minister of Finance, and Christoph Werner, CEO of dm-drogerie mark. The UAE delegation underscored the importance of international partnerships in fostering innovation, enhancing global technology security, and advancing collective progress in research and development. The delegation included Ahmed Alattar, UAE Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany; Rashid Al Teneiji, Director of Economic and Trade Affairs Department; and Nouf Al Hameli, Science and Advanced Technology Adviser, along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the EDGE Group.
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Dentsu Malaysia anointed Digital Agency of the Year at MDA's D Awards 2025 with record 20 wins
Published on: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 18, 2025 Text Size: Dentsu Malaysia brings home 3 Gold, 6 Silver, and 11 Bronze awards across 22 categories at Malaysian Digital Association's D Awards 2025 Kuala Lumpur: Dentsu Malaysia was crowned 'Digital Agency of the Year' at the Malaysian Digital Association's (MDA's) D Awards 2025 with an impressive tally of 3 Gold, 6 Silver, and 11 Bronze across 14 categories. Its CEO Audrey Chong said their amazing sweep of awards is born out of a culture that promotes creativity and acknowledges excellence in innovation. Advertisement 'We are most honoured to share our accolades with the whole team at dentsu Malaysia, our partners and our ever-supportive clients who have entrusted us to add our brand of magic into their campaigns,' she said. Dentsu's Media CEO Bala Pomaleh said he is very delighted with the win. He said it reflects their continuous effort of Innovating to Impact great results for clients across different categories and platforms—a mantra held strongly by their young and talented team. 'Our focus shall always anchor around creating great experiences through innovation with the aim of adding value to our clients and leaving a positive mark on society,' he said. D Awards 2025, an annual ceremony celebrating digital innovation in marketing is hosted by the Malaysian Digital Association and sees the participation of 25 digital agencies and publishers across Malaysia. This year's awards see agencies battling across 18 campaign and 4 agency categories. Below is the full list of wins recorded by Dentsu Malaysia: Digital Agency of the Year ; Best B2B Marketing Campaign – 1 Bronze ; Best Digital Audio & Podcast Campaign – 1 Gold, 1 Bronze ; Best Digital Customer Acquisition & Loyalty – 1 Gold ; Best e-Commerce Marketing Campaign – 1 Bronze ; Best Influencer Marketing Campaign – 1 Silver ; Best Integrated Marketing Campaign – 1 Bronze ; Best Performance Marketing Campaign – 1 Silver, 1 Bronze ; Best Use of Data – 1 Silver ; Best Use of Digital Sustainable Impact – 1 Bronze ; Best Use of Digital Marketing Innovation – 1 Silver ; Best Use of Display/ Rich Media – 1 Silver, 2 Bronze ; Best Use of DOOH – 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze ; Best Use of OTT/ Connected TV – 1 Bronze ; Best Use of Social Media Platform – 1 Bronze. Link to view the full list of winners: * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
