Malaysian Government announced that starting from 2026, individuals under the age of 16 will be prohibited from registering and using social media accounts, following in the footsteps of Australia as another country promoting digital age restrictions. This measure aims to enhance the online safety of minors, preventing risks such as cyberbullying, fraud, and sexual exploitation.
According to reports from the Associated Press, Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated on Sunday (November 23) that the Cabinet has approved the relevant policy as one of the broader measures to protect young people from online harms.
He mentioned that the government is studying age verification models from countries like Australia, which may involve electronic verification using identification cards or passports to ensure strict enforcement of age restrictions. He emphasized that with the cooperation of the government, regulatory agencies, and parents, Malaysia can ensure that its online environment is “safe, fast, extensive, affordable, and most importantly, secure, especially for children and families.”
Since January of this year, major social and communication platforms with at least 8 million users in Malaysia are required to obtain operating permits. Approved platforms must implement strict age verification systems, content safety management, and transparency regulations, reflecting the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regulation of large platforms to create a safer digital space.
The Australian Parliament has passed the world’s first law banning the use of social media by those under 16, which will officially take effect on December 10. If platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Reddit forums, and streaming platform Kick fail to prevent minors from registering, they may face fines of up to AUD 50 million (approximately USD 33 million).
Australia’s legislation, the first of its kind globally, has garnered significant attention from governments around the world who are studying its design as a significant breakthrough in curbing the negative impact of social media on children.
Similarly, Europe is facing issues of adolescent online addiction and exposure risks. The Danish government announced earlier this month plans to prohibit individuals under the age of 15 from using social media, although the specific implementation framework has not been made public. Meanwhile, Norway is pushing for related legislation, with the minimum age set at 15 years old.