PANAJI
Malaysia has become the latest country to impose strict age limits on social media, barring anyone under 16 from registering accounts on major platforms as governments worldwide intensify efforts to protect children online. The rules, which took effect on June 1, require platforms such as
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube to verify users’ ages against government-issued identification records.
The move forms part of Malaysia’s broader Online Safety Act framework, reflecting growing concerns over cyberbullying, harmful content, addictive platform features and the impact of social media on young people’s mental health. Companies that fail to comply with the new requirements face fines of up to 10 million ringgit (about $2.5 million).
Malaysia joins a growing list of countries, including Australia and Indonesia, that are tightening restrictions on children’s access to social media. Regulators argue that stronger safeguards are necessary, as digital platforms play an increasingly central role in young people’s lives.
The policy is not without controversy. Critics warn that blanket bans could push teenagers towards less regulated corners of the internet and raise concerns about privacy due to mandatory age verification systems. Technology companies have yet to fully outline how they will implement the rules, though authorities have indicated that a grace period will be provided for compliance.
