In today’s digital landscape, social media stars face both immense opportunities and unique risks. While platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter allow influencers to reach vast audiences, they also leave these individuals vulnerable to serious privacy threats. One disturbing trend that has emerged is the leaking of private videos, often designed to malign reputations, harm emotional well-being, and jeopardize careers.
Recently, Pakistani social media influencer Imsha Rehman found herself at the center of such a scandal. Imsha’s private video leak caused immediate backlash, and her subsequent disappearance from all social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok, has only added to the public outcry. Her case, alongside similar incidents, shines a spotlight on the dark side of social media fame.
سوشل میڈیا پر پرائیویسی کی خلاف ورزی کا مسئلہ بڑھتا جا رہا ہے، جس کے باعث مشہور شخصیات کو ذاتی ویڈیوز کے لیک ہونے جیسے واقعات کا سامنا کرنا پڑ رہا ہے۔ حال ہی میں پاکستانی سوشل میڈیا اسٹار عِمشا رحمان ایک ایسے ہی اسکینڈل کا شکار ہوئیں، جس کے بعد انہوں نے تمام پلیٹ فارمز سے اپنا اکاؤنٹ ڈی ایکٹیویٹ کر دیا۔ اس طرح کے واقعات نہ صرف ان کے کیریئر کو نقصان پہنچاتے ہیں بلکہ ذہنی دباؤ کا باعث بھی بنتے ہیں۔ اس کے ساتھ، مناہل ملک جیسے دوسرے مشہور افراد بھی اس طرح کی جعلی ویڈیوز اور آن لائن ہراسمنٹ کے خلاف انصاف کے لیے آواز اٹھا رہے ہیں۔ صارفین، صحافیوں اور کارکنوں نے ان واقعات کی مذمت کرتے ہوئے سوشل میڈیا پلیٹ فارمز سے مطالبہ کیا ہے کہ وہ پرائیویسی کے تحفظ کے لیے مؤثر اقدامات کریں۔
The Impact on Reputation and Mental Health
For social media influencers like Imsha Rehman, public image is everything. Their careers are built on trust and engagement with their followers. Unfortunately, a leaked video can undo years of hard work in seconds. The rapid spread of such content across platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram only exacerbates the damage, making it virtually impossible to control. As a result, influencers like Imsha face emotional distress and significant harm to their reputations.
This isn’t an isolated case. Just last month, another TikTok star, Minahil Malik, had a similar experience. Malik publicly addressed a viral, edited video falsely attributed to her, claiming it was intended to damage her reputation. This prompted her to file a formal complaint with Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and seek justice. Her case highlights the recurring issue of digital harassment and privacy invasion for influencers, especially women.
اسلام میں فحاشی اور بے حیائی کے کاموں کو سختی سے حرام قرار دیا گیا ہے، کیونکہ یہ معاشرتی بگاڑ اور اخلاقی زوال کا سبب بنتے ہیں۔ قرآن مجید میں اللہ تعالیٰ فرماتا ہے:
“بے شک اللہ بے حیائی اور برے کاموں سے منع کرتا ہے۔” (سورہ النحل: 90)
یہ آیت واضح کرتی ہے کہ مسلمان کو ایسے اعمال سے اجتناب کرنا چاہیے جو اخلاقی حدود کو پامال کریں اور معاشرے میں فساد پیدا کریں۔ شہرت یا مالی فائدے کے لیے فحاشی کا سہارا لینا نہ صرف دین کے اصولوں کے خلاف ہے بلکہ انسان کی عزت اور وقار کو بھی مجروح کرتا ہے۔
The Public Reaction and Mixed Responses
As these stories hit trending sections on platforms like Google and X (formerly Twitter), social media users are quick to respond. However, the reactions are mixed. While some followers offer support and demand the removal of such content, others cast doubt, sometimes suggesting that these incidents are publicity stunts. This range of reactions can add another layer of stress for influencers who are already dealing with the fallout from these privacy violations.
Calls for Change and Increased Accountability
The recurring nature of these privacy breaches has led journalists, activists, and social media users to call for more comprehensive protections for internet personalities. Many argue that platforms should implement stricter measures to remove inappropriate content promptly and prevent its spread. Additionally, governments and regulatory bodies like the FIA in Pakistan are being urged to step up and address cyber harassment more effectively.
Moving Forward: The Need for a Safer Digital Space
As the lines between public and private lives continue to blur for social media stars, the need for stronger privacy protections has never been clearer. While influencers play a large role in shaping social media culture, they also deserve protection from the harm that comes with being in the spotlight. The cases of Imsha Rehman and Minahil Malik should serve as a wake-up call for social media companies, lawmakers, and users alike to take the issue of online privacy more seriously.
For fans and followers, it’s a reminder of the importance of empathy. Influencers may appear larger-than-life, but they are real people who deserve respect and privacy. By fostering a culture of respect and responsibility online, perhaps we can create a safer, more supportive digital space for everyone.