Malaysia's Shocking New Law: Social Media Ban for Kids Under 16 Starts Next Year – What Parents MUST Know!

In a significant move aimed at safeguarding children in the digital space, Malaysia plans to prohibit individuals under the age of 16 from opening social media accounts starting next year. This initiative aligns the country with a growing trend among nations implementing age-based restrictions to protect young users from online dangers.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced the proposed ban during a press briefing on Sunday, emphasizing that the government is evaluating regulatory frameworks used in countries like Australia to establish effective age limits. He highlighted the rising concerns surrounding cyberbullying, financial scams, and sexual exploitation involving minors as key motivations behind this decision.

“We hope by next year that social media platforms will comply with the government’s decision to bar those under the age of 16 from opening user accounts,”

Fahmi stated, as reported by the local outlet The Star.

The impact of social media on children has become an urgent global issue. In the United States, major companies such as TikTok, Snapchat, Google, and Meta — which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp — are currently facing multiple lawsuits alleging their platforms contribute to a youth mental health crisis. The harmful effects of unchecked social media use have prompted many jurisdictions to reconsider their approach to youth engagement online.

Australia is poised to deactivate all accounts belonging to users under 16 as early as next month, a regulatory shift that could set a precedent for international observers. Meanwhile, in Europe, countries like France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Greece are jointly testing an age-verification app that may become a standard for the European Union.

In its own quest for online safety, neighboring Indonesia announced plans in January to establish a minimum age for social media use. However, the country later opted for a more lenient approach, opting instead for stricter age verification processes and enhanced content filtering from tech companies.

Malaysia has been intensifying its scrutiny of digital platforms in recent years. Authorities have raised alarms over issues such as online gambling, misinformation, and sensitive posts concerning race, religion, and the monarchy. In January, a new regulation took effect, requiring social media platforms and messaging services with over eight million Malaysian users to obtain a license to operate within the country.

The planned ban on users under 16 represents a significant step in Malaysia’s broader effort to regulate online spaces and shield young people from digital risks. Such measures reflect a growing acknowledgment globally that the digital landscape can pose serious threats to the mental and physical well-being of youth.

The implications of this move extend beyond Malaysia's borders, signaling a potential shift in how countries govern social media interactions among minors. As more nations consider similar regulations, the digital landscape for young users may see substantial changes in terms of accessibility and safety.