Malaysia to Ban Social Media for Under-16s in 2026
Malaysia is set to join the growing list of countries prioritizing child safety online by banning social media use for individuals under 16 starting from 2026. The move, announced by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, aims to protect young users from online harms such as cyberbullying, financial scams, and child sexual abuse.
The government plans to work with social media platforms to implement age verification systems, potentially using electronic checks with identity cards or passports. This follows a broader effort to tighten regulations, with platforms having over 8 million users in Malaysia already required to obtain a license and enforce content safety measures since January.
The decision draws inspiration from countries like Australia, which will ban social media for under-16s from December 10, and Denmark, which plans to restrict access for those under 15. Other nations, including France, Italy, and Norway, are also exploring similar measures to curb harmful content.
Minister Fadzil emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, regulatory bodies, and parents to ensure the internet remains “safe, especially for children and families”. While specifics on enforcement are still being worked out, the proposal has garnered support, with a survey showing 72% of Malaysians backing restrictions on children’s social media use.
This move reflects a global trend toward stronger digital safety standards for minors, putting pressure on social media companies to adapt their age verification processes. #Malaysia to Ban Social Media for Under-16s in 2026#
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