In a significant move toward regulating youth access to digital platforms, the Pakistani Senate has introduced the Social Media (Minimum Age for Users) Bill 2025. The proposed legislation aims to ban the use of all major social media platforms by individuals under the age of 16. If passed, this bill would make Pakistan one of the few countries in the region to formally legislate age restrictions on social media use.
Tabled by Senators Sarmad Ali and Masroor Ahmed, the bill targets platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, YouTube, and X. Under the proposed law, platforms would be legally required to verify the age of their users and block access to anyone below the age threshold. Companies failing to comply could face fines ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 5 million.
Introducing Social Bill (Age Restricted User Bill) in Senate of Pakistan today to ban minors from using social media platforms and protect our kids online. It has now been referred to the committee for discussion and decisioning. pic.twitter.com/xE5NfIX8Qx
— Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan (@SMasroorAhsan) July 21, 2025
In a particularly strict clause, the bill also penalizes individuals who facilitate access for underage users, this includes parents, guardians, or friends, who could face up to six months in jail and similar monetary penalties. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) would be empowered to enforce the law by deleting existing underage accounts and creating a regulatory framework for implementation.
The bill has been referred to a Senate committee for review and may undergo revisions before it is brought to a vote. If approved by the Senate, it will move on to the National Assembly and then to the President for final assent.
This legislative move follows global trends, with countries like Australia and New Zealand already setting similar age restrictions. The bill has sparked debate about online safety, digital freedom, and parental responsibility in the digital age.
As the bill moves through Pakistan’s legislative process, it is likely to remain a focal point in national conversations about youth, technology, and online governance.
