In a landmark move to protect the mental health and online safety of young users, the Senate of Pakistan has received the Social Media (Age-Restricted Users) Bill 2025, introduced by Senators Sarmad Ali and Syed Masroor Ahsan. The bill proposes banning individuals under the age of 16 from creating or managing accounts on social media platforms.
This legislative initiative comes amid growing concerns about the negative impact of social media on minors, including issues such as cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, online exploitation, and privacy risks. The bill aligns Pakistan’s digital safety framework with global standards, similar to steps recently taken by Australia and New Zealand.
Key Provisions of the Bill:
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Social media platforms will be legally required to implement age verification systems to prevent under-16 users from registering.
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Companies failing to comply may face fines ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 5 million.
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Individuals who assist minors in bypassing age restrictions—such as by producing fake documents—will face penalties of up to six months imprisonment and fines above Rs. 50,000.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will play a central enforcement role under the proposed law. Responsibilities assigned to the PTA include:
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Blocking existing accounts operated by users under the age of 16.
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Issuing regulations to ensure compliance by all platforms.
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Resolving any technical or legal ambiguities in the bill’s implementation.
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The bill emphasizes the urgent need to protect children’s mental health, privacy, and online safety, and calls for public awareness campaigns to promote responsible social media use among both children and parents.
According to the bill’s explanatory note, “There are signs that social media use can have a negative impact on young people.” The statement supports the need for legal safeguards in an increasingly complex and risky digital environment.
The legislation will apply nationwide and cover all major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, Snapchat, YouTube, and Threads. These platforms must ensure users are at least 16 years old using age verification methods approved by the PTA.
The bill also provides limited protection to platforms that rely in good faith on provided information. However, intentional or negligent violations will carry strict legal and financial consequences.
Officials have described the bill as a vital step “to provide a safer digital environment, prevent exploitation, and shield children from cyber harm.” The initiative also promotes digital literacy within families to help them better navigate the challenges of the online world.
As the bill enters Senate debate, it marks a potential turning point in Pakistan’s approach to youth safety in the digital space. If passed, it will set a strong precedent for regulating social media access and reinforcing child protection nationwide.
