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Politics
Punjab Assembly Proposes Ban on Social Media for Under‑16s in Pakistan
✍️ Daily Excelsior
🗓 03 Sep 2026, 03:18 AM
👁 2
Pakistan's Punjab provincial legislature has moved to prohibit children under 16 from holding social media accounts, citing concerns over online safety.
The Punjab Assembly in Pakistan has introduced a bill that would bar anyone younger than 16 from creating or maintaining a social media account. Lawmakers argue that the measure is needed to shield minors from harmful content, cyber‑bullying and potential exploitation online.
If passed, the legislation would obligate social media platforms to block registrations for users below the age threshold and to delete existing accounts that do not meet the new criteria. The proposal outlines penalties for non‑compliance, though specific enforcement mechanisms have not been detailed.
The bill is now slated for debate in the provincial assembly, where members will consider its implications for digital rights and parental responsibility. Stakeholders, including technology firms and child‑rights groups, are expected to voice their positions before a final vote is taken.
If passed, the legislation would obligate social media platforms to block registrations for users below the age threshold and to delete existing accounts that do not meet the new criteria. The proposal outlines penalties for non‑compliance, though specific enforcement mechanisms have not been detailed.
The bill is now slated for debate in the provincial assembly, where members will consider its implications for digital rights and parental responsibility. Stakeholders, including technology firms and child‑rights groups, are expected to voice their positions before a final vote is taken.