Islamabad High Court Seeks Govt Response on Social Media Rules for Children Under 16
The Islamabad High Court has sought responses from the federal government and regulatory authorities on a petition seeking stronger safeguards and age-based restrictions for children under 16 using social media platforms.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday continued hearing a petition calling for greater regulation of social media use by children below the age of 16.
IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar issued notices to the Ministry of Information Technology, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Law, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra).
The court also directed the relevant law officer to ensure that the notices are properly served and responses are submitted.
Court Questions Existing Regulations
During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that protecting children and safeguarding their interests is an important responsibility of the state.
The lawyer told the court that a number of countries have introduced or proposed age limits, parental controls and other safety measures for minors using social media.
The court asked Pemra whether any existing law specifically regulates social media use by children.
The petitioner’s counsel responded that Pakistan currently does not have dedicated legislation addressing children’s social media use. He also stated that Pemra’s existing powers generally come into play when complaints are submitted.
What Does the Petition Seek?
The petition was filed by a citizen through lawyers Muhammad Jalal Haider and Yahya Fareed Khawaja.
It calls for the introduction of an effective age-verification system for social media accounts operated by children under 16.
The petition also seeks a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework aimed at protecting minors from risks associated with online platforms, including cyberbullying, harassment and inappropriate or harmful content.
Examples From Other Countries
The petition referred to measures adopted or proposed in several countries as examples of different approaches to protecting children online.
These include Australia’s restrictions related to social media accounts for children under 16, France’s parental-consent requirements for younger users, and the UK’s Online Safety Act 2023.
The petition also mentioned proposed measures in New Zealand and Spain concerning social media access for children under 16.
According to the petitioner, these developments indicate a growing international focus on age verification, parental controls, online privacy and child safety.
Petition Calls for New Policy
The petitioner also referred to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and related international guidance, arguing that children’s best interests should remain central to digital policy.
The plea seeks a comprehensive government policy covering children’s digital rights, privacy and online safety.
It also asks the authorities to establish a dedicated mechanism for protecting children on social media and to consider legislation specifically addressing social media use by those under 16.
The Islamabad High Court has sought responses from the concerned ministries and regulatory bodies. Further proceedings will take place after the authorities submit their responses.
