KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia plans to ban social media for users under the age of 16 starting from next year, joining a growing list of countries choosing to limit access to digital platforms due to concerns about child safety .
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said on Sunday the government was reviewing mechanisms used to impose age restrictions for social media use in Australia and other nations, citing a need to protect youths from online harms such as cyberbullying, financial scams.
“We hope by next year that social media platforms will comply with the government’s decision to bar those under the age of 16 from opening user accounts,” he told reporters, according to a video of his remarks posted online by local daily The Star .
Strict Identity Verification Required
Platforms will be required to enforce electronic Know Your Customer, or eKYC, identity checks using official documents such as MyKad, passports or MyDigital ID . The move follows an October Cabinet decision to raise the minimum age for social media access from 13 to 16 .
“We expect all platform providers to be ready to implement eKYC by next year,” Fahmi said after closing an online scam awareness event. He added that the requirement is part of the Online Safety Act, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2026 .
Part of Global Movement to Protect Children Online
The policy comes as Australia enforces one of the world’s strictest social media age limits, including penalties of up to A$49.5 million for noncompliance . In Australia, social media platforms are poised to deactivate accounts registered to users under 16 next month, under a sweeping ban for teenagers that is being closely watched by regulators around the world .
France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Greece are also jointly testing a template for an age verification app . Malaysia’s neighbour Indonesia said in January it planned to set a minimum age for social media users, but later issued a less stringent regulation requiring tech platforms to filter negative content and impose stronger age verification measures .
Growing Concerns Over Social Media Harm
The effects of social media on children’s health and safety have become a growing global concern, with companies including TikTok, Snapchat, Google and Meta Platforms – the operator of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp – facing lawsuits in the United States over allegations that their services have contributed to a youth mental health crisis .
Malaysia has put social media companies under greater scrutiny in recent years in response to what it claims to be a rise in harmful content, including online gambling and posts related to race, religion and royalty .
Platforms and messaging services with more than 8 million users in Malaysia are now required to obtain a license under a new regulation that came into effect in January .
Roblox Under Scrutiny
Roblox Corp pledged last month to boost safety measures and is prepared to share data with the Malaysian government as officials weigh action over the popular video game after it was allegedly linked to a stabbing case in the nation .
The minister urged parents to encourage their children to participate in outdoor activities to reduce screen time on phones and computers, while closely monitoring their use of electronic devices . According to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Cabinet is also considering a ban on smartphone use for individuals under 16 .
The Malaysian government expects all social media platforms operating in the country to comply with the new regulations by 2026, as part of its comprehensive approach to safeguarding children in the digital age.
