Malaysia has introduced stringent new regulations requiring social media platforms to verify users’ ages and prevent individuals under 16 years old from registering new accounts, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to enhance online safety for children.
The rules, which took effect on Monday, require major social media platforms such as Meta Platforms’ Facebook and Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to conduct age verification checks using government-issued records before allowing users to create accounts, Reuters news report said.
Malaysia’s communications regulator, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), said the move is designed to strengthen protections for minors against harmful online content while encouraging greater accountability among social media companies, parents, and guardians.
Under the new framework, social media companies that fail to comply with the age verification requirements could face fines of up to 10 million ringgit (approximately $2.5 million). Existing users will also be subject to age verification procedures, with platforms given a six-month period to complete the process.
The regulator emphasized that the measure is not intended to block children from accessing the internet or technology. Instead, it aims to create a safer digital environment by ensuring that online platforms take stronger responsibility for protecting younger users.
The government has intensified oversight of social media platforms in recent years following a rise in harmful online content. Authorities have also stepped up efforts to curb material that could incite racial or religious tensions or undermine national institutions, including the monarchy.
Malaysia joins a growing list of countries introducing stricter controls on children’s access to social media amid increasing concerns about the impact of online platforms on mental health, cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and digital addiction.
Countries Tightening Social Media Access for Under-16s
Governments across the world are introducing stricter rules to limit children’s access to social media platforms amid growing concerns over mental health, online safety, cyberbullying, and harmful content exposure. While Australia remains the first country to fully enforce a nationwide ban for under-16s, several others are moving in a similar direction.
Australia
Australia became the world’s first country to ban social media access for users under 16. The law came into force in December 2025 and requires platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, Reddit, YouTube, and Threads to block underage users. Companies can face fines of up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance.
Norway
Norway plans to introduce legislation requiring social media platforms to block users under 16 and implement mandatory age verification systems. The government intends to place responsibility on technology companies rather than parents.
Denmark
Denmark has announced plans to restrict social media access for children under 15, although parental approval may allow access from age 13.
Austria
Austria is drafting legislation to ban social media use for children under 14 as part of broader online safety reforms.
Poland
Poland’s ruling coalition is preparing legislation that would prohibit social media access for children under 15 and require platforms to conduct age verification checks.
France
France already requires parental consent for social media access by younger users and is considering stricter age-based restrictions as part of wider European efforts to improve child online safety.
United Kingdom
The UK government is evaluating an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s while also reviewing tighter online safety and AI chatbot regulations for children.
New Zealand
New Zealand lawmakers have proposed legislation that would prohibit social media accounts for children under 16, inspired by Australia’s model.
China
China has not imposed a complete ban but operates one of the world’s strictest digital controls for minors, including screen-time limits, age verification requirements, and special “minor mode” restrictions on apps and online services.
The global trend shows regulators increasingly shifting responsibility to social media companies through mandatory age verification, stricter compliance requirements, and significant financial penalties for violations. Australia and Malaysia currently have the most comprehensive nationwide under-16 restrictions in force.
BABURAJAN KIZHAKEDATH