Case Registered to Ban Social Media for Children

The Islamabad High Court has requested the National Database and Registration Authority and the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority to be involved in a case centered around the safety of children on social media platforms. This request was made after the court was asked to include these institutions in the proceedings. The petition seeks to establish a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework to safeguard children from the various risks associated with online usage.

Among the proposed measures, a ban on social media accounts for children under the age of 16 is being considered, along with stringent age verification procedures and the implementation of methods to ensure parental supervision over children’s online activities. The petitioner also seeks the court's opinion on whether the National Database and Registration Authority is capable of developing a secure and efficient age verification system.

The petition points out the numerous dangers that children are exposed to in the digital world, such as cyberbullying, harassment, sexual exploitation, exposure to unsuitable content, and the development of digital addiction. It urges the state to take necessary actions to protect the best interests, mental health, privacy, and dignity of minors who use social media platforms.

The provision of more robust safeguards for young users on social media is also highlighted in the petition. The case has been registered to address these concerns and ensure a safer digital environment for children.