Islamabad High Court Urged to Protect Minors in the Digital Sphere

The Islamabad High Court has been petitioned to compel the federal government to implement a regulatory framework aimed at safeguarding children under 16 from the dangers of social media. Advocates Muhammad Jalal Haider and Yahya Farid Khawaja filed the petition, emphasizing the urgent need for age-verification mechanisms to ensure minors' safety online.

The petition highlights growing concerns about cyberbullying, harassment, and exposure to inappropriate content that children face on digital platforms. Petitioners argue that the lack of robust age verification leaves children vulnerable to online threats and undermines protective measures intended for them.

In addition to seeking a comprehensive policy on digital rights and privacy, the petitioners call for social media companies to take on specific responsibilities to protect young users. They reference successful initiatives in countries like Australia and the UK, where age restrictions and parental consent protocols have been established.

Moreover, a resolution recently submitted to the Punjab Assembly supports the call for a ban on social media accounts for children under 16 without parental consent, reflecting similar concerns over online safety. This resolution urges the federal government to enact laws that require reliable age-verification systems and hold social media companies accountable for maintaining child protection standards.

Source: www.dawn.com