The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has asked the government and other relevant authorities to reply to a petition on the use of social media by children under the age of 16. The petition is seeking for proper laws to safeguard children on the internet. The authorities have been given a period of 15 days to file their reply.
IHC seeks government response on social media curbs for under-16s
This case was heard by IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfaraz Dogar. The relevant authorities included the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Law and Justice, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra).
Petition Seeks Age Verification
Petitioner Waqas Nasir filed the petition through his counsel, Muhammad Jalal Haider and Yahya Fareed Khawaja. They have asked the government to create a comprehensive law for children’s social media use. The petition also seeks an age verification system for social media accounts. The proposed rules aim to improve children’s online safety, including concerns linked to children’s photos on social media.
During the hearing, Advocate Muhammad Jalal Haider highlighted the risks children may face on social media. These include cyberbullying, harassment, and inappropriate content. The petition asks the government to protect children’s best interests. It says this is a legal and constitutional duty of the state.
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Pemra Has No Specific Law
The court inquired if there was any existing law enacted by Pemra to regulate the usage of social media by children. The petitioner’s legal counsel explained that Pemra has the authority to intervene upon receiving a complaint, but currently, there is no specific law regarding children’s access to social media.
The petition has called for a wider policy to protect children’s digital rights and privacy. It also aims to protect their mental and physical well-being. The petition further seeks clear duties for social media companies to protect children’s rights.
Other Countries Have Age Rules
The petition gave examples of steps taken or planned in other countries. Australia has policies for social media accounts under 16. France requires parental consent for children under 15. The UK has online safety rules under its Online Safety Act 2023. New Zealand has proposed legislation for social media use by children under 16. Spain has also proposed similar rules.
In addition, the petition highlights the increasing international trend of child protection on the internet. It also mentions the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and General Comment No. 25. The petition argues that protecting the best interest of children is an obligation, not just a policy choice by the government.
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Punjab Assembly Also Raised the Issue
This was also discussed in the Punjab Assembly last month. MPA Sarah Ahmad submitted a resolution for a nationwide ban on social media accounts for children under 16. The ban would not apply when parents give their approval. The resolution also urged the provincial government to recommend new federal legislation. The proposed law would aim to strengthen online safety measures for children.
The court will now wait for replies from the government departments and other regulatory authorities. These replies can assist the court in considering the demand for fresh guidelines and age verification. News source eTimes Pakistan.
