Malaysia is considering a major policy shift that would bar children under the age of 16 from opening social media accounts as early as next year, part of broader efforts to strengthen online child safety.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced the proposal on Sunday, noting that the government is studying how countries like Australia have implemented similar 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 The Star. He stressed that ensuring a safer digital environment would require collaboration between government agencies, tech platforms, and parents.
Malaysia has stepped up its regulation of digital platforms in recent years in response to rising cybercrime. New rules introduced in January now require any platform or messaging service with more than eight million local users to obtain a licence.
Lawmakers have largely backed the idea of an under-16 ban. In October, several MPs urged the government to establish strong age-verification systems to prevent minors from bypassing restrictions.
Public sentiment also appears supportive. A September survey published by local media, based on the Ipsos Malaysia Education Monitor 2025, showed that 72 percent of Malaysians agreed that children’s social media use should be restricted.
Malaysia’s considerations mirror a growing global trend.
In Australia, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok will be required to remove users under 16 from December 10 or face heavy fines.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon plans to introduce a similar bill.
The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent children under 15 from accessing apps like TikTok and Snapchat.
Five EU countries — Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, and Spain — are piloting an age-checking app aimed at shielding minors from harmful online content.
Malaysia’s proposal, if implemented, would mark one of its most ambitious efforts yet to create a safer digital landscape for children.
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