Islamabad High Court has issued notices to the federal government, seeking a comprehensive report on measures to regulate social media use by children under the age of 16. The order was issued by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir in response to a constitutional petition filed by a minor, Akbar Khan Shinwari, through his father for the enforcement of fundamental rights related to child protection and online safety.
The petitioner urged the court to direct the government to prohibit and regulate underage access to social media platforms, highlighting concerns over digital safety and the protection of minors. The court observed that safeguarding children from online harm is of paramount importance, noting that unregulated social media access can expose minors to cyberbullying, mental health risks, privacy breaches, and harmful or inappropriate content.
The Islamabad High Court directed the federal government, the Ministry of Information Technology, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, and the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority to submit a detailed report by March 3. The court requested para-wise comments outlining the steps being taken to establish a regulatory framework governing minors’ access to social media in Pakistan.
The court specifically sought information on age verification mechanisms, compliance monitoring systems, and enforcement strategies to ensure that social media companies adhere to age restrictions and child safety standards. It also asked for a progress update on the proposed Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority aimed at strengthening digital governance and child protection laws.
Additionally, the court instructed the government to provide details of any draft regulations, policy proposals, or executive measures currently under consideration to regulate children’s social media usage. The report must comprehensively address regulation, monitoring, and enforcement mechanisms in light of the recent amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and the constitutional mandate to ensure the protection, well-being, and fundamental rights of children in the digital space.