Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia has begun enforcing new rules that prohibit children under the age of 16 from owning social media accounts, becoming one of the latest countries to tighten online safety measures.
Under the new regulations, social media companies must introduce effective age-verification systems and prevent users below 16 from creating accounts.
The rules apply to major platforms with at least eight million users, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The Malaysian government said the move is designed to shield children from harmful online content, cyberbullying, and platform features that encourage excessive screen time.
Authorities stressed that the policy is not intended to deny young people access to the internet, but rather to ensure they use digital services within a safer environment.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said social media providers will be expected to build stronger child protection measures into their platforms.
These include safeguards against addictive design features, improved monitoring of underage accounts, and stricter action against harmful content.
Companies that fail to comply with the regulations could face fines of up to 10 million ringgit (approximately $2.5 million). However, parents will not be penalized if children manage to bypass the restrictions.
Malaysia’s decision reflects a broader international trend as governments seek greater accountability from technology companies.
Countries such as Australia, Brazil, and Indonesia have already introduced or announced similar restrictions, while several European and Asian nations are exploring comparable measures.
Technology firms have yet to outline exactly how they will meet Malaysia’s requirements. Regulators have indicated that platforms will be granted a grace period to implement age-verification systems and make the necessary adjustments.
The new rules have sparked debate among industry experts and digital rights advocates. Critics argue that strict age-verification requirements could raise privacy concerns, particularly if users are required to submit government-issued identification.
Others question whether the restrictions will be effective, noting that children may still gain access through accounts created by parents or guardians.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, previously warned that a blanket ban on users under 16 could push teenagers toward less regulated online spaces. The company highlighted its existing ‘teen accounts’ system, which places limits on contact, screen time, and exposure to sensitive content for younger users.
