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Malaysia is planning to block children under 16 from signing up for social media accounts. This new measure aims to tighten access due to growing child-safety concerns. The government intends to implement this ban by next year.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated on Sunday that the government is currently observing how Australia and other nations handle online age restrictions.
Fahmi Fadzil expressed hope that social media platforms will comply with the government’s decision to bar under-16s by next year. He noted that cooperation is essential. If the government, agencies, and parents each play their roles, the internet can be safer for families. Fahmi added:
We can ensure that the internet in Malaysia is not just fast… but most importantly, safe.
This move follows recent efforts to combat rising cybercrime. In January, new regulations took effect requiring platforms with over eight million users to obtain a license.
Support for these restrictions is evident domestically. In October, several MPs backed the plan to ban under-16s. They called for proper mechanisms to verify user ages during registration. Furthermore, an Ipsos Malaysia Education Monitor 2025 survey released in September revealed that 72 per cent of respondents agree that children’s social media use should be restricted.
Malaysia is following a global trend. In Australia, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok must remove users under 16 starting December 10 or face hefty fines. Similarly, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon plans to introduce a bill to restrict social media use for children.
Meanwhile, the Dutch government has advised parents to forbid children under 15 from using apps like TikTok and Snapchat. In Europe, five countries, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, and Spain, are currently testing an app aimed at preventing children from accessing harmful content.
