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The Senate decided to withdraw the controversial social media prohibition bill on children under 16 after opposition from other ministries. The original bill, introduced by PPP lawmakers triggered controversy because of its rigid age restriction and severe penalties including up to Rs5 million fines and even jail time. It was dismissed as unrealistic, too strict, and nearly impossible to implement.
On the advice of party leaders Senators Sarmad Ali and Syed Masroor Ahsan decided to withdraw the draft but vowed to return with a better-balanced version. Sources indicate the new bill will reduce the age limit to 13 or 14 and will also soften punishments. Rather than placing the responsibility on platforms the new draft is likely to bring parents into monitoring and guiding children’s online activities more actively.
The initial bill presented in July would have banned under 16 uses of apps such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, and X, with PTA required to implement the ban. Although the concept is popular with ensuring safety for children online, legislators now need to find a balance between safety and pragmatism. A lenient, more practical alternative might be the only solution.
Read more: Senate Urges Age Cap for Social Media
