Malaysia is considering a new nationwide rule that would ban users under 16 from opening accounts on major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X as early as next year.
The country’s communications minister, Fahmi Fadzil, said the government is exploring systems to enforce age restrictions and expects social platforms to comply once the policy is finalized, according to Reuters.
If implemented, Malaysia would join a growing list of countries tightening online safety rules for children.
Australia’s own ban for users under 16 takes effect on December 10, requiring social media companies to deactivate accounts belonging to younger users.
Other nations, including France, Denmark, Italy, and Norway, are also developing similar safeguards.
In the U.S., 24 states have passed age-verification laws for online platforms. Utah was the first to require app stores to verify users’ ages and get parental consent before minors can download apps.
The U.K.’s Online Safety Act, which came into force in July, adds even stronger requirements. Platforms must block children from accessing harmful content such as self-harm and eating-disorder material or face heavy fines.
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Malaysia’s proposal signals a broader global push to protect children from the risks associated with early and unsupervised social media use.
