Technology
Malaysia to Ban Social Media for Under-16s from Next Year
Malaysia is planning to block children under 16 from signing up for social media accounts next year, as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen child safety online. The move comes amid rising concerns over the impact of social media on young users and follows similar actions in other countries.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced the plan on Sunday, noting that Malaysia is examining strategies used in countries like Australia to impose age restrictions.
“We hope that by next year, social media platforms will comply with the government’s decision to bar those under 16 from opening social media accounts,” Fahmi said in a video shared by Malaysian daily The Star.
He added: “So I believe,if the government, government agencies and parents each play their respective roles, we can ensure that the internet in Malaysia is not just fast but most importantly, safe, especially for children and families.”
In recent years, Malaysia has tightened oversight of social media services to combat cybercrime, including requiring platforms and messaging services with over eight million users to obtain licences under new regulations that came into effect in January.
Several Malaysian MPs have voiced support for the under-16 social media ban, emphasizing the need for reliable age verification mechanisms when users register accounts. A 2025 Ipsos Malaysia Education Monitor survey revealed that 72 percent of respondents agreed that social media use should be restricted among children.
Globally, other countries are taking similar steps. In Australia, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok will be required to remove users under 16 from December 10 or face fines. New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to introduce a comparable bill restricting children’s social media use.
In Europe, countries like Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, and Spain are testing an app that prevents children from accessing harmful online content by verifying user ages. Meanwhile, the Dutch government has advised parents to forbid children under 15 from using apps such as TikTok and Snapchat.
The Malaysian initiative is part of a broader global effort to protect children from online risks, including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and digital exploitation. Authorities hope the measures will create a safer online environment for young users while encouraging responsible digital habits.
