ISLAMABAD: A petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking stronger protection for children online. The plea focuses on social media use by children under 16.
Lawyers Muhammad Jalal Haider and Yahya Farid Khawaja filed the petition. They asked the court to introduce an authentic age verification system.
The proposed system would verify the ages of users opening social media accounts. The petitioners said such measures could help prevent children from accessing harmful online content.
The plea also seeks legislation to protect children from cyberbullying. It also highlights online harassment and other digital safety risks.
The petitioners referred to several international laws and child protection measures. They presented Australia’s legislation concerning social media access for children under 16.
A copy of the relevant Australian law was also submitted before the court. The petitioners used the legislation as an international example for child protection.
The plea also cited France’s rules concerning younger users. France requires parental consent for social media accounts belonging to children under 15.
The petitioners further referred to the UK’s Online Safety Act 2023. They also mentioned proposed measures in New Zealand and Spain.
Examples from European countries were presented to highlight different age verification approaches. The petitioners argued that countries worldwide are strengthening online protections for children.
According to the plea, protecting children online has become an international legislative trend. It stated that Pakistan should also develop effective safeguards.
The petitioners asked the IHC to establish a suitable mechanism for parental control. They said parents should have better tools to protect children online.
The plea also seeks protection from hazardous and inappropriate online material. It calls for stronger responsibilities for social media platforms.
The petitioners argued that digital platforms should play an active role in child safety. They also stressed the state’s constitutional and legal responsibility.
According to the petition, children’s best interests should remain a key priority. The petition seeks measures that can provide stronger protection in the digital environment.
The case names several government bodies as respondents. These include the Ministry of Information Technology and the Ministry of Information.
The Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Law have also been included. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and PEMRA are also parties.
The petition could bring greater attention to children’s online safety in Pakistan. It also raises questions about age verification and parental oversight.
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The requested measures aim to create a safer digital environment for children. The petitioners have asked the court to consider international practices while addressing the issue.
