This bold step, presented by Senators Sarmad Ali and Syed Masroor Ahsan, aims to protect minors and create a safer digital environment.

The bill outlines severe consequences for any individual or company found violating this rule. Social media platforms allowing users under 16 to access their services could face fines ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs5 million. In more serious cases, violators could be sentenced to up to six months in prison.

A key provision of the bill mandates that social media companies must verify users’ ages and block any accounts belonging to minors. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will be responsible for regulating and overseeing this process.

The bill also clarifies that service providers will not be held accountable if a minor’s account is mistakenly created, as long as reasonable evidence is provided. This proposed ban would affect all major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, Bigo Live, Threads, and others.

Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani has now referred the bill to the relevant standing committee for further examination. If passed, this legislation could bring a massive shift in how Pakistan regulates digital platforms.

Read more: Apple’s first foldable iPhone: Price and expected release date revealed

The proposed Social Media (Age-Restricted Users) Bill 2025 signals a bold step towards protecting minors in Pakistan’s increasingly digital world. While it promises a safer online space, its enforcement could present challenges, particularly for global social media giants. The mandatory age verification may also change the way young users interact with these platforms. If passed, this bill could significantly alter Pakistan’s approach to digital regulation, with potential implications for users and tech companies alike.