The federal government of Pakistan is considering further measures to strengthen the legal framework governing social media rules amid concerns over child exploitation, obscene content and other online offences.
Several proposals are under consideration, including introducing a minimum age requirement for social media users and restricting obscene material shared under the guise of vlogging and other digital activities.
The Ministry of Interior is expected to consult relevant stakeholders before finalising its recommendations.
The process could involve federal and provincial authorities, law enforcement agencies and other institutions responsible for online safety.
Police departments across Pakistan have submitted reports to the Ministry of Interior highlighting an increase in cases involving child exploitation, obscene content and other social media-related offences, according to the sources.
The reports will be reviewed as part of the government’s efforts to determine whether existing laws and regulations need to be strengthened.
Officials are also expected to examine social media regulations adopted by countries including Australia and the United Kingdom (UK) as part of the review.
Cases involving child exploitation and obscene online content reported in Pakistan will also be assessed to identify potential legal and regulatory changes aimed at preventing such offences.
The proposals remain under consideration, and no final regulatory framework has yet been announced.
