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Malaysia plans to prohibit social media usage for individuals under 16 beginning next year, aligning with an expanding group of nations restricting access to digital platforms over concerns about children’s safety. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced Sunday that the government is examining systems utilized in countries like Australia to enforce age restrictions on social media, emphasizing the need to shield young users from online risks such as cyberbullying, scams, and exploitation.
“We aim for social media platforms to adhere to our decision by next year, preventing anyone under 16 from creating accounts,” he stated to journalists, with a video of his comments shared by The Star.
The impact of social media on the health and safety of children has emerged as a significant global issue, with companies including TikTok, Snapchat, Google, and Meta Platforms (which manages Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) facing lawsuits in the U.S. for contributing to a mental health crisis. In Australia, platforms are set to deactivate accounts of users under 16 next month as part of a comprehensive ban on teen accounts, a move closely observed by regulators worldwide.
France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Greece are collaboratively testing a new age verification app to enforce restrictions. Nearby, Indonesia announced in January plans to establish a minimum age for social media users but later introduced less strict regulations requiring platforms to block harmful content and strengthen age verification processes.
In recent years, Malaysia has increased scrutiny on social media companies due to a rise in problematic content, including illegal online gambling and posts related to race, religion, and royalty. Under a new regulation effective from January, platforms and messaging services with over 8 million Malaysian users are required to obtain a license.
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