On Monday, the Senate introduced the Social Media (Age-Restricted Users) Bill 2025, which aims to completely ban social media usage for individuals under the age of 16. The bill, co-sponsored by Senators Sarmad Ali and Syed Masroor Ahsan, seeks to ensure a safer digital environment for minors and holds social media companies accountable for enforcing the restrictions.
The bill stipulates that any individual or company allowing under-16 users access to social media platforms could face fines ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs5 million. In more severe cases, violators could face up to six months in prison. Social media companies would be required to verify users’ ages and block accounts belonging to minors.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) would be responsible for enforcing the new regulations, including shutting down underage accounts, creating and implementing rules, and addressing any legal challenges.
This proposed ban covers major social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, Bigo Live, Threads, and others.
Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani has referred the bill to the standing committee for further review. If approved, the legislation would represent a significant shift in Pakistan’s digital regulatory landscape.
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I aint gonna quit doing social media plus im 12
banning social media for those under 16 is never going to be the way forward. Do we really believe that the adults in power, in a country already struggling with corruption, violence, and debt, are the ones driving progress? In truth, it’s teenagers who are learning, creating, and even earning through digital platforms. Instead of supporting that growth, this move cuts it off entirely. Yes, we do need regulation and protection, that’s fair. But a full ban does NOT protect young minds. We’re meant to be the new nasal, the generation of change. There should be limits, not full on cuts. If they really wanna solve this issue, how about teach these kids on how to actually navigate through the digital world rather than just take shortcuts and ban it off all together? How are we supposed to engage with the world, learn from it, and contribute to it if we’re not even allowed to connect with it? How are ever even going to be able to compare Pakistan with other nations when we can’t even have access to the ladder itself? And this mindset that “Pakistan is different” or “we don’t need to compare ourselves with others” is exactly what holds us back. Of course, every country has its own path, but if we want real progress and real successors, then our youth must be exposed to the wider world. They need to explore, see different perspectives, meet people, listen, and then form their own voice.