The Senate of Pakistan has introduced a new proposed law called the “Social Media (Age Restriction for Users) Bill 2025.” This bill suggests that children under the age of 16 should not be allowed to create or use social media accounts in the country. The purpose of this bill is to protect young people from the dangers of the internet, such as online bullying, harmful and inappropriate content, and the risk of being taken advantage of by others online.
The bill was presented by Senators Sarmad Ali and Masroor Ahmed. They believe that taking this step is necessary to make the internet a safer place for children and teenagers. If this bill becomes law, anyone who helps a minor open a social media account—such as by giving them false information or creating an account on their behalf—could face serious punishment. This includes a fine of up to Rs 5 million and even up to six months in jail.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will be responsible for making sure the new rules are followed. This includes removing any accounts found to be operated by users under 16.
This move brings Pakistan in line with international efforts to protect children online. Countries like Australia and New Zealand have also started taking similar steps to keep minors safe in the digital world. The goal is to create a safer internet experience for young users and encourage healthy online behavior from an appropriate age.
