The Senate is set to withdraw a private bill seeking to ban social media use for children under 16, after objections from key stakeholders. PPP senators behind the proposal confirmed that a revised draft will be reintroduced with significant changes.

Why the bill was withdrawn

According to sources, stakeholders raised strong objections to the proposed 16-year age limit, as well as the punishments outlined in the draft. Concerns were also expressed over the requirement to block accounts of minors and the penalties for non-compliance.

On the instructions of the party leadership, PPP senators Masroor Ahsan and Sarmad Ali have agreed to withdraw the bill. A motion to withdraw the private bill will be presented in the Senate, which will be reintroduced in the House after changes through mutual consultation.

What changes are expected

The revised bill is expected to propose a lower minimum age from 16, with 13 or 14 years under consideration. Instead of harsh penalties, the new draft will likely reduce the six-month prison term and Rs5 million fine for violators.

Sources also said that parents’ role will be strengthened in monitoring and blocking the social media accounts of minors, ensuring a shared responsibility between families and platforms.

On July 21, the Senate had 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, sought to create a safer digital environment for minors and held 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 made it mandatory for social media companies to verify users’ age and block accounts belonging to minors. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) would have served 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 noted that if an account was mistakenly created based on reasonable evidence, the service provider would not be held liable.

Platforms covered

The proposed ban applied 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 had referred the bill to the relevant standing committee for further review.