The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in partnership with Meta, has officially launched Instagram’s new safety feature, “Teen Accounts,” aimed at strengthening online safety and digital wellbeing for young users across Pakistan.
The new feature is designed to automatically place users under 16 years old into Teen Accounts, limiting exposure to unwanted interactions and filtering sensitive or harmful content. This initiative enables young users to explore the digital space safely while maintaining a positive online experience.
Representatives from Meta, UNICEF, the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC), and other key child protection stakeholders attended the launch event. The program featured awareness sessions, live demonstrations of online safety tools, and discussions on complaint mechanisms and best practices for promoting youth digital wellbeing.
During his address, PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez ur Rehman, HI (M) SI, reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to creating a safer and more responsible digital environment. He highlighted that the introduction of Instagram’s Teen Accounts represents a significant milestone in protecting young users online and fostering a secure digital ecosystem in Pakistan.
Dr. Priyanka Bhalla, Head of Safety Policy for South Asia at Meta, praised PTA’s proactive approach and emphasized Meta’s dedication to promoting online safety. She noted that Meta’s global safety programs empower millions of teenagers, including those in Pakistan, to benefit from a safer and more secure online experience.
The collaboration between PTA and Meta underscores Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to promote digital literacy, child safety, and responsible online behavior. It also reflects a shared vision of ensuring that young internet users can engage online confidently and safely.
Through initiatives like Instagram’s Teen Accounts, PTA continues to strengthen its partnerships with global digital platforms to build a secure, inclusive, and well-informed digital future for Pakistan’s youth.