Addressing Mental Health and Harassment in Pakistan and Indonesia
via Islamic Principles, AI Cybersecurity Law

Rubab Zahraa, Muhammad Qasim, Mahrus Ali,
Bushra Ali, Jamila Asef

Affiliations: Universitas Wahid Hasyim (Indonesia); University of the Cumberlands (USA); Superior University (Pakistan)

Abstract

Mental health stigma and digital harassment have emerged as serious social and legal challenges in Pakistan and Indonesia, particularly with the rapid expansion of online communication and social media platforms. These issues discourage individuals from seeking psychological support and expose vulnerable groups to sustained online abuse, discrimination, and social exclusion.

This article examines how mental health stigma intersects with digital harassment in both countries and evaluates responses through Islamic ethical principles, cybercrime law, and AI-driven cybersecurity mechanisms. Using a normative legal and comparative approach, the study highlights gaps in enforcement and proposes an integrated ethical–legal–technical framework to strengthen protection and reduce stigma.

Keywords: Mental health stigma; digital harassment; cybercrime law; Islamic ethics; AI cybersecurity; Pakistan; Indonesia

1. Introduction

Mental health stigma and digital harassment are deeply interconnected in Pakistan and Indonesia. Stigma silences individuals, while online abuse punishes vulnerability, reinforcing cycles of harm that affect education, employment, family relations, and public participation.

2. Methodology

This study applies a normative legal and comparative research method combined with qualitative doctrinal analysis. National cyber laws, Islamic ethical principles, and AI-based cybersecurity governance are examined through statutes, policy documents, and scholarly literature.

3. Mental Health Stigma and Digital Harassment

Findings show that mental health stigma operates both as a cause and consequence of digital harassment. Victims often avoid reporting abuse due to fear of shame, disbelief, or legal repercussions, allowing harassment to persist unchecked.

4. Legal Frameworks in Pakistan and Indonesia

Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 and Indonesia’s Electronic Information and Transactions Law provide legal bases to address online harassment. However, gaps remain in clarity, accessibility, trauma awareness, and enforcement consistency.

5. Islamic Ethical Principles

Islamic ethics emphasize human dignity, privacy, and harm prevention. These principles condemn slander, mockery, and exposure of private information, offering a culturally resonant foundation for stigma reduction and anti-harassment norms.

6. AI-Driven Cybersecurity and Governance

AI-based tools can assist in detecting abusive patterns and coordinated harassment. However, they must operate under legal safeguards to prevent bias, over-enforcement, and violations of due process. Hybrid human–AI oversight models are essential.

7. Conclusion

Addressing mental health stigma and digital harassment together is necessary for effective protection. Integrating Islamic ethical values, cyber law reform, and responsible AI use offers a culturally grounded and legally sound strategy for Pakistan and Indonesia.

References

All references are presented in accordance with international academic standards, as listed in the published article.