Instagram announced on Thursday that it will begin notifying parents if their teen repeatedly search for suicide or self-harm related content, as governments around the world increase pressure on social media platforms to improve child safety. Read More: Instagram empowers users with smarter feed control The platform, owned by Meta Platforms, said the alerts will apply […]
social media regulation
Portugal parliament backs parental consent bill for teens on social media
LISBON: Portugal parliament has approved a bill requiring children aged 13 to 16 to obtain explicit parental consent before accessing social media platforms, marking one of Europe’s first legislative steps to impose such restrictions. The bill, passed on its first reading by 148 votes to 69 with 13 abstentions, aims to protect minors from cyberbullying, […]
IHC seeks government report on regulating social media use by children
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notices to the federal government, seeking a detailed report on measures taken to regulate social media access for children under the age of 16. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, in a two-page written order, responded to a petition filed by minor Akbar Khan Shinwari through his father, which […]
TikTok faces EU fines for addictive features
The European Commission has warned TikTok to change its “addictive design” or face heavy fines. The EU found the platform breached the Digital Services Act, citing features that encourage compulsive use, particularly among minors. TikTok has rejected the findings, calling them “categorically false” and plans to challenge them. The EU investigation, launched in February 2024, […]
PTA sought closure of Imran Khan’s X account multiple times
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has written to social media platform X on three occasions over the past three and a half years, seeking the closure of an account operating in the name of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, but received no response, according to a report submitted to the Islamabad High Court (IHC). […]
PTA warns against sharing illegal content on social media
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has warned social media users against sharing or promoting illegal content online, stressing that misuse of digital platforms could invite legal action under existing cyber laws. Read More: PTA warns against illegal online content sharing In a statement issued on Tuesday, a PTA spokesperson urged internet users to exercise caution and responsibility while engaging […]
Australian teens evade social media age ban
Despite Australia’s recent ban on under-16s using social media, teenagers continue to access over ten blocked platforms, revealing major challenges in enforcing age restrictions effectively across the country. Surveys and expert analysis indicate that while the policy aims to protect youth, many teens bypass safeguards using digital workarounds such as VPNs, fake birthdates, or accounts […]
Australia to ban social media for teens starting December 10
Australia is set to make history as the first country to ban social media use for teens under the age of 16, with the law taking effect tomorrow, December 10. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube will be required to block over a million accounts belonging to underage users. Failure to comply could result […]
China approves TikTok transfer agreement
WASHINGTON: China has approved the transfer agreement for TikTok, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Thursday, signaling progress toward resolving the app’s uncertain status in the United States. Bessent added that he expects the transfer to move forward in the coming weeks and months, though he provided no additional details. The short video app, […]