ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal government is considering introducing a minimum age for children to use social media platforms as part of proposed measures to tackle child exploitation and harmful online content.
The Ministry of Interior plans to consult relevant stakeholders before taking any final decision on the proposed measures. Officials are also examining ways to curb obscene and exploitative material produced under the guise of family vlogging, according to officials familiar with the matter.
Among the options being considered are restrictions or possible bans on certain social media platforms, following measures adopted in some other countries.
Representatives of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, and federal and provincial police departments are expected to participate in consultations on the issue.
The meeting will also review cases involving child exploitation and obscene content circulating on social media platforms. Authorities are expected to examine policies adopted by Australia and other countries while assessing possible restrictions on social media use by minors in Pakistan.
Several countries have introduced or proposed age limits for platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook amid concerns about children’s safety and wellbeing.
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Several countries have introduced or are moving towards age-based restrictions on children’s access to social media amid growing concerns over online safety, exploitation and harmful content.
Australia was the first to introduce a nationwide ban on social media accounts for children under 16, while countries including Brazil, Türkiye, France, Norway and Greece have enacted, approved or advanced similar measures. The UK has also been considering restrictions for under-16s.
More than 20 countries are taking legislative or policy steps on the issue, including Germany, Canada, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria and Denmark. The European Union is also considering measures to strengthen protections for minors online, including restrictions on addictive platform features and unmonitored access.
Earlier this month, the Punjab Assembly passed a resolution calling for a ban on social media accounts for children under 16.
The resolution urged the federal government to establish an effective legal framework restricting social media use by minors, while allowing access with parental or legal guardian consent and reliable age verification.
