Malaysia plans to prohibit individuals under the age of 16 from opening social media accounts beginning next year, joining a growing list of countries introducing age-based restrictions to protect children from online harm.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced the proposed ban on Sunday, stating that the government is studying regulatory models used in Australia and other countries to implement effective age limits. He cited increasing concerns about cyberbullying, financial scams, and sexual exploitation involving minors.
“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,” Fahmi said, according to a video published by local outlet The Star.
The impact of social media on children has become a major global issue. Companies such as TikTok, Snapchat, Google, and Meta — the parent firm of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp — currently face multiple lawsuits in the United States over allegations that their platforms contribute to a youth mental health crisis.
Australia is expected to deactivate all accounts belonging to users under 16 as early as next month, a move closely watched by international regulators. Meanwhile, France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Greece are jointly testing an age-verification app that could become a standard model for the European Union.
Neighbouring Indonesia announced plans in January to set a minimum social media age but later adopted a softer approach, requiring tech companies to implement stricter age verification and filter harmful content instead.
Malaysia itself has intensified scrutiny of digital platforms in recent years. Authorities cite concerns over online gambling, misinformation, and posts touching on sensitive issues such as race, religion, and the monarchy.
A regulation that took effect in January now requires social media platforms and messaging services with more than eight million Malaysian users to obtain a licence before operating in the country.
The planned under-16 ban marks another step in Malaysia’s broader effort to regulate online spaces and shield young people from digital risks.
Melissa Enoch
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