Malaysia Bans Social Media Use for Children Under 16 to Protect Online Safety

Malaysia Bans Social Media Use for Children Under 16 to Protect Online Safety
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Malaysia has officially introduced a regulation prohibiting individuals under the age of 16 from creating or using social media accounts on major digital platforms. The measure, implemented by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), is aimed at reducing potential psychological harm and safeguarding children in the digital space.

Under the new rule, platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are required to implement robust age-verification systems to ensure compliance. Authorities have warned that non-compliant platforms could face fines or other regulatory actions.

Children who already have social media accounts will be given a transition period to download or transfer their data before access is restricted, ensuring they can manage personal information safely.

MCMC officials stated that the initiative aligns Malaysia with other countries enforcing age-based restrictions online, contributing to a global effort to improve child digital safety. The regulator emphasized that the policy does not restrict general internet access for minors, focusing specifically on social media account creation and use.

Experts note that age-appropriate restrictions, alongside parental guidance and digital literacy programs, are key strategies to protect minors from cyberbullying, addictive features, and exposure to inappropriate content.

The regulation went into effect on June 1, 2026, and social media companies have been tasked with ensuring all account holders comply with the age requirements.