A new bill has been introduced in the Senate aiming to ban individuals under 16 from creating social media accounts in Pakistan. Titled the “Social Media (User Age Limit) Bill 2025,” it seeks to legally prohibit minors from joining platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others.
The legislation, presented by Senators Sarmad Ali and Masroor Ahsan, outlines penalties for violations. Social media companies that allow underage users could face fines between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 5 million. Additionally, any person who helps a minor sign up for an account may face up to six months in prison along with financial penalties.
The bill assigns the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) the responsibility of identifying and removing accounts belonging to users under 16. PTA will also be authorized to create further rules and issue clarifications regarding the implementation of the law.
According to the bill’s authors, the primary objective is to protect children from the risks associated with social media use, such as cyberbullying, online harassment, exposure to harmful content, and digital exploitation. Lawmakers believe restricting early access will reduce these dangers and allow safer digital engagement as children grow older.
In addition to enforcing restrictions, the proposed law encourages public awareness campaigns to educate parents and children about the responsible use of digital platforms. Authorities aim to work toward a safer online environment, drawing inspiration from similar legislative efforts in countries like Australia and New Zealand, where age-based social media controls are already in place.
If passed, this bill would place Pakistan among a growing list of countries adopting stricter online safety measures for minors, reinforcing the government’s commitment to child protection in the digital age.
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