Social Media
ISLAMABAD: The Senate is set to deliberate on a resolution introduced by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Bahramand Tangi, calling for the banning of major social media platforms.
Scheduled for discussion in the Senate meeting on March 4, Tangi’s resolution proposes a prohibition on platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter (now X), and YouTube. The senator argues that such a ban is necessary to safeguard the young generation from the perceived negative and devastating effects of these platforms.
In the resolution, Tangi highlights the adverse impact of social media on the country’s youth, expressing concerns about the promotion of norms contrary to religious and cultural values. He further notes the use of these platforms for propagating hatred based on language and religion.
Tangi also raises alarm about the alleged misuse of social media against the country’s interests, specifically citing negative and malicious propaganda against the armed forces of Pakistan.
While the resolution, if passed, will be non-binding, it emphasizes the concern that social media is being exploited for spreading fake news and creating false leadership narratives to deceive the younger generation.
Notably, Tangi’s membership in the PPP has reportedly been terminated for violating party discipline and remaining silent on a resolution seeking a delay in the February 8 polls.
It’s worth mentioning that X is already inaccessible to Pakistanis, and during the recent elections, internet services were shut down, preventing access to various social media sites.
Digital rights activists have criticized these disruptions, calling for transparency, especially regarding the prolonged inaccessibility of X. As the Senate convenes to discuss this resolution, it raises broader questions about the balance between regulating online content and preserving freedom of expression in the digital age.
