Malaysia to Bar Under-16s from Social Media Accounts
Malaysia is setting a major new policy to prioritize child online safety, planning a nationwide social media ban for users under-16s starting in 2026. This move aligns Malaysia with a global effort to curb the risks digital platforms pose to minors.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced the plan, stating the government is reviewing how countries like Australia impose these age restrictions.
Why the Ban? Protecting Youth from Online Harm:
The primary goal of the new regulation is to protect young people from serious online dangers, including:
- Cyberbullying.
- Financial scams.
- Child sexual abuse.
Minister Fadzil expressed hope that social media platforms will comply, ensuring children under the age of 16 are prevented from opening new user accounts by next year.
A Growing Global Trend:
The impact of social media on children's mental health and security has become a worldwide concern.
- Australia is a key reference point, as its social media platforms are preparing to deactivate accounts belonging to under-16s next month.
- Companies like TikTok, Snapchat, Google, and Meta Platforms (owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) are currently facing legal challenges in the United States over their role in contributing to a youth mental health crisis.
- Closer to home, Indonesia also recently implemented stronger age verification and content filtering measures for tech platforms.
Increased Scrutiny on Platforms:
Malaysia has already increased its oversight of tech platforms. In January, a new regulation came into effect requiring social media and messaging services with over 8 million users to obtain a government license. This measure targets a rise in harmful content, specifically posts related to online gambling, race, religion, and royalty.
