(Faisalabad NYT): Malaysia going to ban social media for children under 16 this year: Malaysia has announced that children under the age of 16 will not be allowed to create social media accounts from 2026. With this decision, Malaysia is joining the ranks of countries, including Australia, that are implementing strict digital age limits for children.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fazal
Communications Minister Fahmi Fazal said the cabinet made the decision to protect children from online harm, such as cyberbullying, fraud and sexual exploitation, according to the Associated Press. The government is reviewing models from Australia and other countries and is also considering using an electronic system of ID cards or passports to verify users’ age. He did not give a final date for the ban to implemente.
Since January, major social media and messaging platforms with more than 8 million users in Malaysia has require to obtain licenses. Licensed platforms will be subject to age verification, content safety and transparency rules, part of the government’s efforts to create a safer digital environment.
Australia has already passed the world’s first legislation banning children under 16 from using social media from December 10. Companies such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit and live streaming platform Kick will face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (about 33 million US dollars) for failing to prevent age violations.
Denmark has also announced a social media ban for children under 15, while Norway is in the process of legislating for a minimum age of 15.