A significant bill was introduced in the Senate that aims to prohibit individuals under the age of 16 from creating social media accounts. Titled the “Social Media (Age Limit for Users) Bill 2025,” the legislation was jointly presented by Senators Sarmad Ali and Masroor Ahsan. The proposed law seeks to protect minors from online threats, cyberbullying, and harmful content.
Under the provisions of the bill, social media companies will be legally obligated to prevent underage users from accessing their platforms and ensure that no person below 16 years of age can create an account. If a platform allows a minor to register, it may face a fine ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 5 million.
The bill also proposes that any individual who assists a minor in creating a social media account may be subjected to up to six months of imprisonment or a fine. Furthermore, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will be granted the authority to shut down existing social media accounts of minors and develop the necessary regulations and guidelines to enforce the law.
The primary objective of this legislation is to safeguard children from online exploitation, bullying, and exposure to harmful digital content. The government also plans to raise digital awareness among parents and children to promote safe internet usage. The bill aligns with global practices, drawing parallels with policies adopted in Australia and New Zealand aimed at child protection.
