Could Pakistan restrict social media for under-16s? Court seeks answers

The Islamabad High Court in Pakistan has initiated an inquiry into a petition demanding stricter regulations for children under 16 using social media platforms. The court's decision comes after receiving a petition from Waqas Nasir, requesting the implementation of age verification systems, enhanced safeguards, and comprehensive rules to govern children's social media usage.

Currently, Pakistan lacks any specific legislation to regulate children's access to social media, leaving the matter open for the court's consideration. Attorneys for the petition argued that protecting children is not only a prudent policy choice but also a constitutional and legal obligation for the state. They called for the state to hold social media platforms accountable for ensuring the digital well-being of minors, including implementing age verification systems, parental controls, and measures to shield children from harmful content.

The petition aligns with an international trend where several countries are tightening protections for minors online, including Australia, France, New Zealand, Spain, and the UAE. These countries have implemented measures such as age verification, parental consent requirements, and restrictions on personal social media accounts for under-16s.

The case in Pakistan may influence the national conversation on children's digital rights and online safety, potentially leading to a nationwide ban on social media access for children under 16 without parental consent.