IHC seeks responses on regulating social media use by under-16s
“IHC has sought responses from relevant ministries, PTA and PEMRA on a petition seeking age verification and legislation to regulate social media use by children…”
IISLAMABAD —The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notices to the Ministry of Information Technology, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Law on a petition seeking regulation of social media use by children under the age of 16.
The court has also sought responses from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) regarding the matter. IHC Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar heard the petition, which seeks the establishment of an effective age-verification system for children’s social media accounts and legislation to protect them from the harmful effects of social media.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel argued that legislation in various countries was part of an international trend aimed at protecting children in the digital environment. He said safeguarding the best interests of children was a constitutional and legal responsibility of the state.
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The court asked whether PEMRA had any law dealing with the matter. In response, the lawyer said no such law had been enacted so far. The counsel further explained that PEMRA had legal authority to take action on complaints against individuals, but there was no specific legislation concerning the regulation of social media use by children under 16.
The court issued notices to all the respondents and sought their responses on the petition.
Written by Sheheryar Munawar
Aman-e-Pakistan Senior Journalist & Bureau Reporter
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