Malaysia Bans New Social Media Accounts for Under-16s to Boost Online Safety

Malaysia has implemented a new rule banning social media account creation for users under 16, requiring platforms to verify ages and take proactive steps against harmful content. This move aims to strengthen online safety for children, aligning with global efforts to regulate major platforms.

Mon Jun 01 2026

Malaysia Implements Social Media Ban for Under-16 Users

Malaysia has introduced a new rule that will require major social media platforms to verify users' ages and prevent children under the age of 16 from opening new accounts. This regulation, which came into effect on Monday, applies to social media companies with more than 8 million users in Malaysia, including popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Platforms will be required to introduce age verification systems using documents such as national ID cards or passports to confirm users' ages. This move is part of the country's broader efforts to improve online safety for young users, reflecting increasing global scrutiny of social media's impact on children by governments worldwide.

Stricter Content Moderation and Penalties for Non-Compliance

Beyond restricting new accounts for those under 16, the new regulations also mandate that social media companies strengthen content moderation and take proactive steps to reduce the risks of harmful online content. Furthermore, platforms will need to improve reporting mechanisms, verify advertisers, and label manipulated or altered content where necessary. Companies that fail to comply with these new requirements could face substantial fines of up to 2.5 million dollars. Malaysia is the latest country to introduce age-based restrictions on social media, following similar moves by Australia, Indonesia, and other nations, highlighting a growing international trend to safeguard children's online experiences.

*Source: YouTube: WION (2026-06-01)*

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