Cannot Ban Social Media for Children: PTA

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has informed the Islamabad High Court that it lacks legal authority to prohibit children under 16 from using social media platforms or enforce mandatory age verification across all such services. In its filing in Writ Petition No. 4163 of 2026, the PTA stated that Section 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, permits the authority to block or remove unlawful online content on specific legal grounds.

However, the regulator does not have the power to establish a minimum age requirement for social media users or implement a universal age-verification system. The PTA explained that such a system would necessitate a distinct legal and regulatory framework addressing verification methods, accountability for confirming users' ages, managing identity information, preserving privacy, platform compliance, audits, and penalties.

The regulator emphasized that it cannot impose these requirements through an administrative order without the necessary legal authority. Age restrictions implemented in nations like Australia and throughout the European Union stem from their respective laws and cannot automatically grant the PTA similar powers within Pakistan. The PTA clarified that it can still handle complaints, examine reported content, collaborate with social media platforms, and take blocking actions permissible under existing legislation.

Nonetheless, establishing 16 as the minimum age for social media usage, establishing a universal age database, or enforcing mandatory age verification on platforms would necessitate explicit legislation.