Malaysia plans to ban social media use for under-16s

Staff Report: PNN

The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media use for users under the age of 16 starting next year. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated on Sunday that the measure aims to protect children from online threats such as cyberbullying, financial scams, and sexual exploitation.

The minister added that the government is currently observing the age restriction practices in Australia and other countries. “We hope that by next year, social media platforms will comply with the government’s decision and prevent users under 16 from opening new accounts,” he said in a video statement to local daily The Star.

Global concerns about social media’s impact are growing. Companies like TikTok, Snapchat, Google, and Meta face legal challenges in the U.S. for contributing to mental health crises.

In Australia, a process to deactivate accounts of users under 16 will begin next month. France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Greece are jointly piloting apps for age verification.

Similarly, neighboring Indonesia announced a minimum age for social media in January but later opted for a lighter approach, instructing tech platforms to implement content filters and strict age verification.

Over recent years, Malaysia has increased oversight of social media companies. Platforms and messaging services with more than 8 million users now require a new license, effective since January this year.

This step aligns Malaysia with regional and global trends in implementing age limits to ensure children’s online safety and digital well-being.