The Senate on Monday introduced the Social Media (Age-Restricted Users) Bill 2025, proposing a complete ban on the use of social media by individuals under the age of 16.

The bill, jointly presented by senators Sarmad Ali and Syed Masroor Ahsan, seeks to create a safer digital environment for minors and holds social media companies accountable for compliance.

Key provisions of bill

According to the text of the bill, any person or company found allowing access to social media platforms to users under 16 could face a fine ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs5 million. In more serious violations, individuals may face up to six months imprisonment.

The bill makes it mandatory for social media companies to verify users’ age and block accounts belonging to minors. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will serve as the regulatory body, empowered to:

Shut down accounts of underage users
Create and implement rules and procedures
Issue appropriate orders on obstruction in implementation
Make final decisions in case of legal ambiguities

The bill also notes that if an account is mistakenly created based on reasonable evidence, the service provider will not be held liable.

Platforms covered

The proposed ban applies to all major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, Bigo Live, Threads, and others.

Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani has referred the bill to the relevant standing committee for further review. If passed, this would mark a major policy shift in Pakistan’s digital regulatory framework.