Malaysia will roll out a new nationwide rule next year that prevents anyone under 16 from creating a social media account. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil confirmed the decision, noting that the government is developing mandatory compliance systems for platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Fadzil said all platforms are expected to fully adopt the upcoming requirements once they are enforced, aligning Malaysia with other countries tightening social media rules for minors.
Part of a Growing Global Trend in Child Online Protection
This announcement follows Australia’s new regulation, effective December 10, that requires social networks to shut down accounts belonging to users under 16. Malaysia’s move reflects a broader global push to strengthen online safety for children by limiting exposure to harmful content and reducing privacy risks.
Several countries, including France, Denmark, Italy, and Norway, are drafting similar age-restriction laws. Meanwhile, 24 U.S. states have passed online age-verification legislation, with Utah becoming the first to require app stores to confirm a user’s age before allowing minors to download apps.
Mental Health and Safety at the Core of the Policy
The proposed restriction highlights increasing concerns about the effects of early social media use on children’s mental well-being, behaviour, and digital safety. Policymakers argue that current self-declared age systems are easily bypassed, making stricter verification necessary.
With this new measure, Malaysia aims to reduce minors’ exposure to inappropriate content, cyber risks, and online manipulation.
Implications for Tech Platforms
If the policy takes effect as planned, social media companies will need to adjust their user onboarding processes. This may involve:
- Implementing more advanced age-verification tools
- Extending sign-up procedures
- Requesting additional documentation
- Introducing more robust parental controls
Such changes could slow down registration times and may face resistance from tech firms or users who find the process burdensome.
There are also enforcement concerns. Platforms that fail to comply could face sanctions, mirroring regulations such as the U.K.’s Online Safety Act, which imposes significant penalties on companies that fail to safeguard minors.
How the Ban Could Impact Young Users
Young people who rely on social media for education, communication, or entertainment may be affected most. Parents, educators, and digital rights groups may also express concerns about privacy, data collection, and whether the ban will be practical to enforce.
As Malaysia prepares to implement the new restrictions in the coming year, the country is set for deeper debates on digital freedoms, child safety, and the appropriate level of government oversight in online spaces.
