The authorities in Pakistan moved against gambling and financial apps not regulated by law because of legal and privacy concerns.

Key Statistics

• Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) declared 46 mobile apps illegal.
• Identified illegal apps covered gambling, forex trading without approval, and data privacy violations.
• The public is advised to stay away from unconfirmed platforms to secure both finances and personal data.

Pakistan’s top cybercrime body placed a ban on 46 mobile apps found connected to online casino activities, illegal betting, and unauthorised trading. According to The Daily Times, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) considers these apps a danger to users’ private data and the country’s financial security. Banned apps include examples like 1xBet, Aviator Games, Dafabet, 22Bet, Plinko, Rabona, and Bet365. Many of these services became popular across South Asia, but did business without proper authorisation. Officials warn that unsupervised growth of such apps means a higher risk of scams, stolen user data, and gambling addiction.

Risks from Illegal Gambling and Trading Apps

NCCIA explained that several apps gave access to unregulated forex as well as binary trading, which usually leads to illegal fund transfers and fraud cases. Services operating this way are not checked by financial regulators, often offer unrealistic profit promises, and don’t provide information, so new traders face much higher risk. The cyber agency also pointed out privacy risks, noting that some apps collect personal data from users’ phones, including unique device IDs and SIM numbers, without explaining why or asking for users’ consent. These actions bring dangers such as stolen user identity or unauthorised sale of personal info to third parties.

Government Action and Public Advisory

Some blocked apps were found gathering SIM card and cell number data without getting user consent, increasing the risk of identity theft for users. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) got clear orders to block all listed applications at once. Officials ask everyone to only use services checked by legal authorities to reduce danger. The NCCIA stressed the need for digital learning and user care, saying that this is the best way to protect people from online fraud, money loss, and security attacks.