ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Interior has decided to consult key stakeholders on measures to regulate children’s use of social media amid growing concerns over child exploitation, online harassment and the circulation of obscene content.
According to sources, a meeting will be held with officials from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), and federal and provincial police departments. The participants will review cases involving child exploitation and obscene material before finalising recommendations.
Sources said proposals under consideration include setting a minimum age for social media use and taking measures to curb obscene content promoted in the name of family vlogging.
Officials are also examining the possibility of restricting or banning certain social media platforms, with the experience of other countries being studied as part of the consultations.
The meeting will also review social media regulations in countries including Australia, which has introduced restrictions on social media access for children under 16.
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The proposed measures come amid growing public concern over the economic and psychological exploitation of children online, as well as online harassment and exposure to inappropriate material.
Sources said no final decision had been taken so far and that further steps would be considered after consultations with the relevant stakeholders.
