Malaysia is preparing to introduce one of its most significant online safety reforms yet a nationwide ban on social media use for children under the age of 16, expected to take effect in 2026. This move, announced by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, marks a major shift from the previous minimum age of 13 and aims to protect minors from a rising wave of online risks.
A New Age Limit for Major Social Platforms
Under the proposal, children below 16 will be prohibited from opening or maintaining accounts on major social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and similar services. The Cabinet approved the policy in October 2025, and platform compliance is expected to begin gradually in 2026.
This measure forms part of Malaysia’s broader commitment to strengthen digital safety, particularly for younger users who are increasingly exposed to harmful content and online predators.
Legal Basis: Online Safety Act 2025
The age restriction will be enforced through the Online Safety Act 2025, a comprehensive new law scheduled to come into effect on January 1, 2026. The Act imposes stricter obligations on online platforms, requiring them to protect users from harmful content such as scams, cyberbullying, and child exploitation material.
A key enforcement mechanism is the introduction of eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) verification. Social media companies will need to use official documents such as MyKad, MyDigital ID, or passports to verify a user’s age before registration. This ensures minors cannot simply falsify their age to create accounts.
Authorities are also discussing penalties for parents or guardians who knowingly help children bypass the new restrictions.
Why the Ban?
Malaysia’s decision is rooted in growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s mental health, safety, and development. Officials have highlighted several risks:
- Child sexual exploitation (CSE)
- Cyberbullying and online harassment
- Financial scams targeting minors
- Exposure to harmful or sensitive content, including gambling and issues involving race, religion, and royalty
Additionally, global studies have linked excessive social media use with anxiety, depression, attention issues, and declining well-being in young teens.
Malaysia joins a rising number of countries enforcing tighter controls on minors’ online access. Australia is rolling out a similar national ban for users under 16, while France, Denmark, Spain, Greece, and Italy are testing age-verification technologies.
By learning from these models, Malaysia aims to build a robust, modern system that ensures children can grow up safer in an increasingly digital world.
