Islamabad High Court issues notices on social media ban for minors

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notices to the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority regarding a petition seeking enhanced safeguards for minors online.

The petition requests a legal framework to protect children from risks such as cyberbullying, harassment, sexual exploitation, and digital addiction. Key proposals include a ban on social media accounts for children under the age of 16, the implementation of effective age verification systems, and improved parental supervision measures.

The court is examining whether NADRA can develop a secure age verification system and how the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority can address platform accountability and data protection. The issuance of notices is a procedural step and does not constitute an approval of the proposed ban.