Social Media Ban
Malaysia planning to bar under-16s from social media
The Malaysian government is planning to ban social media use for users under 16, as part of a wider effort to improve online safety for children, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said.
Fahmi said the government expects platform providers to roll out electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) systems by next year, using MyKad, passports or MyDigital ID to verify age.
“We expect all platform providers to be ready to implement eKYC by next year,” he told The Star.
He also noted that Malaysia is closely observing Australia’s similar move: from 10 December 2025, Australian social media platforms will be required to prevent users under 16 from having accounts.
Under Australia’s Social Media Minimum Age law, platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit and others must take “reasonable steps” to deactivate or block accounts of under-16s.
Fahmi added that parents should encourage their children to spend less time on screens and increase outdoor activities as part of the national push for safer digital habits.
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