Senate Urges Age Cap for Social Media

Pakistan’s Senate expedited a controversial proposal, the “Social Media (Age Restriction for Users) Bill 2025,” that would limit access to social media for those 16 years and older. Introduced jointly by Senators Sarmad Ali and Masroor Ahmed Ahsan, the bill requires platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, YouTube, X (formerly known as Twitter), Snapchat, Bigo Live, Threads, and others to adopt age verification and terminate accounts of minors.

The new regulations give far-reaching powers to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to close down underage accounts, prepare enforcement rules, and monitor compliance. Offenders, either persons helping juveniles or platforms allowing underage access, may be charged heavy fines of Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 million, along with possible six-month prison sentences. The bill has been sent by Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani to the concerned standing committee for further consideration.

The step is inspired by recent digital safety steps taken in Australia and New Zealand, mirroring increasing global focus on youth exposure. If ratified by the National Assembly and signed into law by the President, Pakistan will become part of a developing number of countries implementing age-based digital protections.