Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) — Malaysia is preparing to introduce a nationwide restriction that will prevent children below the age of 16 from creating social media accounts by 2026. Officials say the move aims to strengthen online safety for minors amid growing concerns over cyberbullying, scams and exploitation. Australia has previously implemented similar measures.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the government is studying how Australia and other countries enforce age-based restrictions. He added that authorities expect social media platforms to comply with the new rules by next year, effectively stopping users under 16 from registering accounts.
The minister said the cabinet has approved the policy as part of a broader effort to safeguard young users from digital threats, including harassment and online fraud. The government is also examining whether age verification can be carried out electronically using national ID cards or passports.
Malaysia is simultaneously tightening oversight of major online platforms. Since January, all social media and messaging services with eight million or more users in the country have been required to obtain a licence—part of a wider plan to improve regulation of digital spaces.
Fadzil said Malaysia must ensure its internet ecosystem remains not only fast and affordable but also secure, especially for children and families.
