Senate Introduces Bill to Ban Social Media Use for Under-16s in Pakistan

News Desk

Islamabad: On Monday, the Senate introduced the Social Media (Age-Restricted Users) Bill 2025, which proposes a complete ban on the use of social media platforms by individuals under the age of 16.

The bill, jointly tabled by Senators Sarmad Ali and Syed Masroor Ahsan, aims to create a safer online space for minors and places accountability on social media companies for enforcing age restrictions.

Key Provisions

According to the bill’s contents, any individual or company found providing social media access to users under 16 could face penalties ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs5 million. In more serious cases, violators may be sentenced to up to six months in prison.

Social media companies will be required to verify users’ ages and actively block accounts belonging to minors. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will act as the regulatory authority, with the following powers:

• Shut down accounts of underage users
• Formulate and enforce rules and procedures
• Issue directives in cases of non-compliance
• Resolve legal ambiguities and make binding decisions

The bill also provides protection to platforms in cases where accounts are mistakenly created despite reasonable age verification efforts.

Platforms Affected

The proposed ban would cover all major social media services, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, Bigo Live, Threads, and others.

Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani has forwarded the bill to the appropriate standing committee for further examination. If enacted, this legislation would represent a significant shift in Pakistan’s approach to digital regulation and youth protection online.