Malaysia Bans Under-16s From Social Media Sign-Ups in New Child Safety Regulation

June 2026 | By Azad News

Malaysia has introduced a new rule barring individuals under the age of 16 from creating accounts on social media platforms as part of a broader effort to strengthen online child protection measures.

The decision places responsibility on major tech companies to enforce stricter age verification systems and reduce minors’ exposure to harmful online content.

Platforms including Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}, and :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} will be required to verify users’ ages using government-issued identification records.

Malaysia’s communications regulator stated that companies failing to comply with the rules could face fines of up to 10 million ringgit (approximately $2.5 million).

Authorities clarified that the policy is not meant to block children from the internet entirely, but to ensure safer digital environments through shared responsibility among platforms, parents, and guardians.

Existing users will also be subject to updated age verification processes, which are expected to be implemented gradually over a six-month transition period.

The move comes amid growing concerns in Malaysia over the rise of harmful online content, including material that may encourage social tensions or target sensitive national institutions.

Officials say the country has increased oversight of digital platforms in response to the rapid spread of misinformation and harmful content across social networks.

Conclusion

Malaysia’s new regulation marks a significant step in tightening digital safety laws, reflecting a global trend of stricter controls on minors’ access to social media platforms.

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