Social Media Age Limits, Vlogging Restrictions Under Consideration by Pakistani Govt

The federal government is considering introducing a minimum age requirement for social media users and imposing tighter restrictions on certain vlogging content as part of a review of Pakistan’s online safety regulations.

The proposals are aimed at addressing concerns over child exploitation, content described by authorities as obscene, and other offenses linked to social media. No age limit or new restrictions have been finalized, according to reports published on September 17.

The Ministry of Interior plans to consult relevant institutions before preparing its recommendations. Officials from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), and federal and provincial police departments are expected to participate in the discussions.

One proposal involves establishing a minimum age for social media access, although the government has not specified what that threshold would be.

Authorities are also examining measures to restrict content deemed obscene or exploitative when published under the guise of family vlogging. Restrictions on certain social media platforms are reportedly among the options being considered.

Child Exploitation Cases and International Regulations Under Review

Police departments from across Pakistan have submitted reports concerning child exploitation, obscenity, and other social media-related offenses to the Interior Ministry. The findings are expected to inform discussions on possible changes to the regulatory framework.

The government will also examine international approaches to social media regulation, including measures introduced in Australia and the United Kingdom, before determining which provisions could be considered for Pakistan.

The proposals follow growing attention to children’s online safety. Earlier this month, the Punjab Assembly passed a resolution calling for restrictions on social media accounts for children under 16, with provisions concerning parental consent and age verification. The resolution did not itself establish a nationwide ban.

For now, the proposed age limits and vlogging restrictions remain at the consultation stage. The government has not announced a final legal framework, implementation date, or confirmed list of platforms that could face restrictions.

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