🇲🇾 Malaysia Plans to Ban Social Media for Children Under 16.
The Malaysian government is taking a major step to ensure online safety for children. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that the country is working on a policy that will prevent anyone under the age of 16 from creating new social media accounts starting in 2026.
According to the government, they are already reviewing the laws of countries like Australia to introduce similar regulations. Authorities believe that this initiative will help protect children from cyberbullying, scams, online harassment, and sexual exploitation.
Under the new policy, age verification will be mandatory for opening a social media account. Users may need to provide identity cards or passport details. The rule is expected to come into effect on January 1, 2026, under the ‘Online Safety Act’.
The minister added that discussions are ongoing with major tech companies. He also advised families to monitor their children’s online activities and encourage outdoor activities instead of spending long hours on mobile devices.
Concerns about children’s mental health, online fraud, and excessive screen time are increasing worldwide. Even platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Google are facing legal challenges in several countries.