Islamabad (HRNW): The Islamabad High Court has issued notices to all relevant parties on a constitutional petition seeking legislation and regulatory measures to protect children under the age of 16 from the potential harms of social media.
The court has directed the relevant authorities to submit reports and comprehensive para-wise comments within 15 days. The court also sought details regarding the existing legal and regulatory framework and proposed measures for protecting children in the digital environment.
The petition seeks comprehensive legislation and an effective regulatory framework to protect children under 16 from cyberbullying, online harassment, grooming, sexual exploitation and harmful content.
The petitioner has also requested the establishment of an effective age-verification mechanism for children’s access to social media platforms.
References to legislation in countries including Australia and France were also presented before the court. The petition cited Australia’s legislation concerning social media access for children under 16, as well as France’s requirement concerning parental consent for social media accounts of children under 15.
The petition also referred to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and General Comment No. 25 concerning children’s rights in the digital environment.
The constitutional petition was filed by Waqas Nasir, while lawyers Muhammad Jalal Haider and Yahya Farid Khawaja, Advocates of the High Court, appeared before the court.
The Ministry of IT, Ministry of Information, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and other relevant federal institutions have been made respondents in the petition.
The petitioner argues that an effective legal and regulatory framework is necessary to protect children under 16 from the potential risks associated with social media.
Human Rights Perspective
Children’s online safety is directly linked to their rights to protection, privacy, dignity and healthy development. At the same time, any age restrictions or regulatory measures should maintain an appropriate balance with children’s rights to freedom of expression, access to information and privacy.
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Disclaimer
This report is based on the information provided regarding the court proceedings and the claims and relief sought in the petition. The issuance of notices does not constitute a final determination or acceptance of the petitioner’s claims. The matter remains before the court, and any final decision will be subject to further judicial proceedings.
