Web Desk — October 30, 2025
Islamabad: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Meta unveiled Instagram’s “Teen Accounts” feature on Wednesday, a new safety tool aimed at protecting users under 16 from online risks like cyberbullying and exploitation.
The system automatically shifts young users into Teen Accounts, which block sensitive content, limit unwanted contacts, and promote “safe digital exploration” while maintaining privacy controls. This comes amid growing reports of harassment targeting Pakistani teens, especially girls, through stalking and blackmail.
PTA’s press release highlighted its “proactive engagement” with digital platforms to boost child safety, digital literacy, and responsible behavior. The launch event included awareness sessions, live demos on safety tools, complaint filing, and best practices, attended by reps from Meta, UNICEF, the National Commission for Child Rights (NCRC), and other stakeholders.
PTA Chairman Maj. Gen. (R) Hafeez ur Rehman called it a “major step” toward a safer digital ecosystem for Pakistan’s youth. Meta’s South Asia Safety Policy Head, Dr. Priyanka Bhalla, praised the partnership, noting it empowers millions of teens globally, including in Pakistan, for secure online access.
Meta plans to extend similar protections to Facebook and Messenger in Pakistan soon.
