Malaysia bans people under 16 from using social networks

Malaysia will ban people under 16 from using social media from 2026, requiring strict identity verification to protect children from online risks.

Malaysians under 16 will not be allowed to register social media accounts from 2026 - Photo: Anadolu Ajansı

Speaking at a seminar to raise awareness about online scams, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil reiterated the government ’s plan to ensure online safety for children, which will require social media platform providers to implement identity verification measures to ensure the correct age is used from next year.

Minister Fahmi clarified that the regulation banning children under 16 from using social networks has been planned to be implemented by Australia from next month. Some other countries may also have their own approaches and Malaysia will study and learn to come up with the most optimal solution. This is part of the measures to protect Malaysian children under the Online Safety Act which will come into effect from 1-1-2026.

In the immediate future, Minister Fahmi called on parents to encourage children to participate in outdoor activities to reduce the time spent on phones and computers, and to closely monitor their children's use of electronic devices.

Last month, the Malaysian Cabinet decided to raise the minimum age for social media users to 16, higher than the previous proposal of 13, and also required social media platforms to verify the age of users upon registration through official documents such as MyKad, passport and MyDigital ID.

The cabinet also discussed setting up a task force to identify problems facing schools across the country.

According to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the cabinet is also considering a ban on smartphone use for those under 16 years old.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been asked to step up its crackdown on websites that sell illegal items such as counterfeit goods and drugs.

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VNA

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/malaysia-cam-nguoi-duoi-16-tuoi-dung-mang-xa-hoi-20251123202025901.htm