Kaspersky Raises Alarm Over Cyber Threats to Young Pakistani Users -

Cybersecurity company Kaspersky has warned that children in Pakistan may face a range of online threats while using popular social media platforms, multiplayer games and artificial intelligence-powered services.

Kaspersky analysed the digital interests and online activity of children across the META region, including Pakistan, during the first eight months of 2026. The study identified the most popular websites and mobile applications among young users and highlighted potential cybersecurity risks associated with these platforms.

YouTube was the most widely used mobile application among children in Pakistan, accounting for 31.2 percent of activity during the period. Instagram followed with 18.8 percent, while WhatsApp ranked third with 17.4 percent. Facebook represented 10.8 percent of activity and TikTok accounted for 5.7 percent.

Multiplayer gaming platforms also featured among the most visited online resources. Roblox was used by children on both smartphones and computers, while Discord, which provides communication and community features, was also among the desktop resources accessed by young users in Pakistan.

Kaspersky experts cautioned that children can encounter malicious actors across various online platforms, including gaming services. Multiplayer games can carry particular risks because they allow children to communicate directly with other players, including strangers they have never met offline.

The growing use of generative AI is adding another layer of concern. Experts highlighted the potential misuse of deepfakes—fabricated or manipulated images and videos—in cyberbullying. Photos, videos and other material shared online could potentially be repurposed to create misleading or harmful content, underscoring the need for greater awareness of online safety among young users. – ERMD

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