In a significant move for digital child protection, Malaysia has announced it will prohibit individuals under the age of 16 from holding social media accounts, starting in 2026. This decision places the nation alongside Australia, which is implementing one of the world's most stringent social media bans for children this December.
A Coordinated Global Crackdown
Malaysia's Communications Minister, Fahmi Fadzil, confirmed the Cabinet approved the measure on Sunday. The policy's primary aim is to shield young people from pervasive online dangers, including cyberbullying, financial scams, and sexual exploitation. The Malaysian government is actively studying enforcement approaches from Australia and other countries, with electronic age verification using identity cards or passports under consideration. A specific enforcement date within 2026 has not yet been finalised.
Minister Fahmi Fadzil emphasised a collective responsibility, stating: "I believe that if the government, regulatory bodies, and parents all play their roles, we can ensure that the Internet in Malaysia is not only fast, widespread and affordable but most importantly, safe, especially for children and families."
Strengthening Digital Oversight
This new ban is part of a broader regulatory tightening in Malaysia. Since January, major social media and messaging platforms with at least 8 million users in the country have been required to obtain an operating licence. As a condition of their licence, these platforms must implement robust age verification systems, content-safety measures, and adhere to transparency rules, reflecting the government's determined push for a safer digital environment.
Australia Sets a Precedent
The global context for this action is rapidly evolving. Australia's parliament enacted the world's first ban on social media for children, which is set to begin on 10th December. The law sets the minimum age for an account at 16. Major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, and Kick, face staggering fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (approximately £17 million) for systemic failures to prevent under-16s from creating accounts.
Australia's pioneering move is being closely monitored by other nations concerned about the impact of social media on young children. Denmark's government also revealed plans earlier this month to ban social media access for anyone under 15, though its enforcement strategy remains unclear. Similarly, Norway is advancing a proposed law that would establish a minimum age limit of 15 for accessing social media platforms, indicating a growing international consensus on the need for stricter digital age gates.