Malaysia moves closer to social media ban for under-16s, enforcement possible by mid-year

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Malaysia is preparing to implement measures to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing and signing up for social media platforms, with enforcement possibly beginning as early as July 2026. 

The proposal, announced by senior government officials, is part of a broader effort to protect minors from online harms such as exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and exploitation.

According to The Sun Malaysia, Communications and Digital Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed that Malaysians below 16 will be barred from creating social media accounts starting next year, aligning the measure with the Online Safety Act 2025, which takes effect on January 1. The Cabinet in late 2025 decided to raise the minimum age for social media users from the previously discussed 13 to 16, reflecting growing concerns about the effects of social media on youths.

To enforce the age limit, the government plans to require platforms to deploy electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) identity verification during account registration. Under this system, users would authenticate their age using official documents such as MyKad, passports, or MyDigital ID, a move intended to ensure compliance and prevent minors from circumventing age checks.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the initiative is currently in a regulatory “sandbox” phase, allowing the government to pilot approaches and refine age-verification processes before full enforcement, which could be in place by mid-year. 

Officials have also stressed that the focus is on protecting children rather than punishing parents, and there are no plans to hold guardians legally responsible for underage access once the rules take effect.

The Malaysian move follows similar age-related restrictions in other countries. Australia in late 2025 became the first nation to ban social media accounts for children under 16, prompting global debate on how best to safeguard youths online. 

Malaysia’s plan echoes this trend and puts the country alongside jurisdictions considering or adopting stricter digital age limits amid mounting concerns about mental health, addiction, and harmful content.