The Senate has decided to withdraw the social media ban bill for children under 16 after objections from different stakeholders. Lawmakers from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), who introduced the proposal, confirmed they will bring back a revised version with major changes.
Why It Was Withdrawn
According to insiders, several concerns were raised about the strict age limit of 16 years and the punishments suggested in the draft. The bill also proposed blocking accounts of underage users and penalties for companies failing to comply. Critics argued that such measures were too harsh and difficult to enforce.
On the instructions of PPP leadership, Senators Syed Masroor Ahsan and Sarmad Ali agreed to take back the bill. A motion to officially withdraw it will be presented in the Senate. The lawmakers said they will consult all sides before tabling a softer draft.
What’s Next
The new version may lower the minimum age from 16 to 13 or 14. The current proposal carries a fine of up to Rs5 million and six months in jail, which will likely be reduced. Sources said the revised bill will also involve parents more directly in monitoring and restricting minors’ online accounts, creating shared responsibility between families and platforms.
READ MORE: Big Fine for Social Media Over Kids’ Accounts in Pakistan
Background
The original draft, tabled in July, aimed to ban social media use by children under 16. It applied to platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, X (Twitter), and others. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) was to regulate enforcement, with powers to block accounts and issue rules.
