Malaysia to Ban Social Media for Under-16s, Following Australia’s Lead
Government says new law from 2026 aims to shield children from online harms including cyber-bullying and exploitation
Malaysia has announced plans to prohibit people under 16 from holding social media accounts beginning in 2026, joining Australia as the first country to impose such a sweeping ban.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the Cabinet has approved the measure, which is intended to protect young users from online dangers such as cyberbullying, scams and sexual exploitation.
The government is studying how other countries — notably Australia — are enforcing age restrictions, and is considering age verification methods based on identity cards or passports.
Under the proposed policy, major platforms would be required to block account creation for under-16s.
The measure is part of a broader regulatory push: since January 2025, platforms and messaging services with over eight million users in Malaysia must hold a licence, and comply with safety and transparency standards.
The new ban marks a further expansion of nationwide efforts to regulate social media in the name of child protection.
Authorities said the decision reflects growing international concern over the impact of social media on children’s mental health and safety.
Campaigners point to mounting evidence linking intensive platform use to cyber-harm, online exploitation and exposure to adult content.
The Malaysian government’s proposal will reportedly draw on Australia’s model — where a ban is due to come into force from December 2025, under a law that makes platforms liable for substantial fines if they fail to block under-16 users.
At the same time, the move aligns with similar efforts globally.
Several European nations — including Denmark and the Netherlands — are either implementing or considering tighter restrictions on youth access to social media and digital platforms, citing public health and safety concerns.
For families in Malaysia, the new rule would significantly restrict under-16s’ ability to engage with widely-used platforms.
Officials say enforcement will include identity verification at account sign-up, but details of how the ban will operate — such as the treatment of existing accounts and enforcement procedures — remain under discussion.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the Cabinet has approved the measure, which is intended to protect young users from online dangers such as cyberbullying, scams and sexual exploitation.
The government is studying how other countries — notably Australia — are enforcing age restrictions, and is considering age verification methods based on identity cards or passports.
Under the proposed policy, major platforms would be required to block account creation for under-16s.
The measure is part of a broader regulatory push: since January 2025, platforms and messaging services with over eight million users in Malaysia must hold a licence, and comply with safety and transparency standards.
The new ban marks a further expansion of nationwide efforts to regulate social media in the name of child protection.
Authorities said the decision reflects growing international concern over the impact of social media on children’s mental health and safety.
Campaigners point to mounting evidence linking intensive platform use to cyber-harm, online exploitation and exposure to adult content.
The Malaysian government’s proposal will reportedly draw on Australia’s model — where a ban is due to come into force from December 2025, under a law that makes platforms liable for substantial fines if they fail to block under-16 users.
At the same time, the move aligns with similar efforts globally.
Several European nations — including Denmark and the Netherlands — are either implementing or considering tighter restrictions on youth access to social media and digital platforms, citing public health and safety concerns.
For families in Malaysia, the new rule would significantly restrict under-16s’ ability to engage with widely-used platforms.
Officials say enforcement will include identity verification at account sign-up, but details of how the ban will operate — such as the treatment of existing accounts and enforcement procedures — remain under discussion.
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