Malaysia bans social media accounts for under-16s

Kuala Lumpur  (Web Desk): Malaysia has banned the registration of new social media accounts for children under the age of 16, in a move aimed at protecting minors from harmful online content and the negative effects of social media use.

According to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, the new regulations came into effect on Monday.

Under the rules, social media platforms will be required to verify the age of new users through official government records.

The regulations apply to major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and others. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to 10 million ringgit (approximately 2.5 million US dollars).

Authorities said the measure is not intended to restrict children from technology but to strengthen the responsibilities of social media companies, parents, and guardians in ensuring a safer online environment for minors.

The commission added that existing users will also undergo age verification, and platforms have been given six months to complete the process.

Officials noted that harmful online content has increased in recent years, prompting the government to tighten regulatory oversight of social media companies.

The government is particularly targeting content that may incite racial or religious tensions or provoke hostility against state institutions and the monarchy.

Malaysia now joins a growing list of countries introducing stricter regulations to protect children online and control social media usage.