Malaysia To Ban Social Media For Under-16s
Malaysia has announced a plan to ban social media usage for individuals under 16 starting in 2026. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the move aims to protect children from online risks such as cyberbullying, scams and harmful content. The measure will form part of the country’s new Online Safety Act, scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2026.
Government Focus On Child Safety
Fahmi noted that Malaysia is aligning with global trends, as countries like Australia are implementing similar rules. Platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and others will need to ensure that under-16 users cannot create accounts once the regulation begins.
Age Verification Under Study
Authorities are exploring eKYC age-verification systems using national IDs or digital ID tools. Final guidelines, penalties and how smaller platforms will comply are still being developed.
Implementation Challenges
Experts say enforcement, privacy concerns and balancing safety with access to digital learning remain key questions. The government has confirmed that consultations with tech companies and civil organisations will continue ahead of rollout.
