Malaysia has announced plans to ban social media access for users under the age of 16 starting next year, aligning with global efforts to protect children from online risks. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that the government is reviewing age-restriction mechanisms used in countries like Australia, citing the need to shield youths from cyberbullying, financial scams, and sexual exploitation.
The move follows growing international concerns about social media’s impact on children’s mental health and safety, with platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Meta facing lawsuits in the U.S. for allegedly contributing to a mental-health crisis among teens. Australia is set to deactivate accounts for users under 16 in December 2025, while several European nations are testing an age-verification app for social media platforms.
Malaysia has previously tightened oversight of social media to curb harmful content, including gambling, sensitive posts related to religion, race, and royalty, and has implemented licensing requirements for platforms with over 8 million users. The government aims to ensure that social media platforms comply with the new regulations by next year, strengthening protections for children and teenagers in the digital space.
