KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia announced plans to ban social media accounts for children under 16 starting in 2026, joining a growing number of countries implementing stricter age limits for online platforms.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil confirmed the Cabinet had approved the move, framing it as part of a broader effort to protect young people from online harms, including cyberbullying, scams, and sexual exploitation.

“If the government, regulatory bodies, and parents all play their roles, we can ensure that the Internet in Malaysia is not only fast, widespread, and affordable but, most importantly, safe for children and families,” said Fadzil.

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Age Verification and Regulatory Measures

The government is currently studying approaches used in Australia and other nations and is considering electronic age verification systems using identity cards or passports to confirm users’ ages. Specific enforcement timelines have not yet been announced.

Since January 2025, major social media and messaging platforms with at least 8 million users in Malaysia are required to obtain a license. These licensed platforms must:

• Implement age verification measures
• Enforce content-safety rules
• Maintain transparency regarding user data and activities

These requirements reflect Malaysia’s push for a safer digital environment for children.

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Global Context: Social Media Age Limits

Malaysia’s decision mirrors international trends in regulating youth access to social media:

• Australia will begin enforcing a minimum age of 16 on December 10, 2025. Platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, and Kick face fines of up to 50 million AUD ($33 million) for violations.
• Denmark recently announced plans to ban social media for children under 15, though enforcement mechanisms remain under review.
• Norway is proposing a similar law with a minimum age of 15 for social media access.

These global moves respond to growing concerns about the impact of social media on young children’s mental health, safety, and wellbeing.

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Implications for Malaysia

The new regulations signal a significant shift in Malaysia’s digital oversight, emphasizing accountability for social media companies and the protection of minors online. Families, educators, and regulatory authorities are expected to play a key role in monitoring compliance and fostering safe online practices for youth.