ISLAMABAD — In a significant step toward regulating digital spaces for children, the Senate of Pakistan has introduced the “Social Media (Age Limitation) Bill 2025”, which seeks to ban individuals under the age of 16 from creating accounts on any social media platform. The bill, tabled on Monday by Senators Sarmad Ali and Masroor Ahmed, is positioned as a response to the growing concerns around cyberbullying, online harassment, exploitation, and exposure to inappropriate content targeting minors.
The proposed legislation would make it illegal for anyone below 16 to register on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and others. According to the bill, social media companies that fail to enforce this restriction could face fines ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs5 million. In addition, individuals who assist underage users in account creation could be punished with up to six months imprisonment.
PTA Empowered to Enforce Law, Delete Existing Underage Accounts
The bill also empowers the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to enforce compliance. The PTA will be responsible for identifying and deleting accounts owned by users under 16, while also formulating detailed rules, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that digital platforms adhere to the proposed age limit.
This move is being described not only as a protective legal measure but also as a part of a larger public awareness initiative. Speaking on the bill, Senator Sarmad Ali stated,
“This bill is not just legislation—it’s an awareness campaign to educate parents and children about the risks of the online world.”
Pakistan Aligns with Global Digital Safety Practices
The legislation brings Pakistan in line with international standards seen in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and several European nations where child online protection is enforced through age restrictions and parental control systems.
If passed, the bill will place a legal obligation on all social media platforms operating in Pakistan to implement effective age-verification systems and block underage access. The aim is to create a safer digital environment for children while encouraging responsible use of technology.
