Malaysia to Ban Social Media Use for Under-16s

Malaysia will implement a nationwide ban preventing anyone under the age of 16 from registering on social media platforms beginning next year, according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

The new rule aims to strengthen online safety protections for minors and requires all major platforms to enforce strict age-verification systems.

Speaking to the Straits Times, Fadzil said on Sunday that all social media providers operating in the country will be required to adopt electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) technology to accurately verify users’ ages.

“We expect all platform providers to be ready to implement eKYC age-verification measures by next year,” he said.

In addition to enforcing age verification, the Malaysian government plans to consult with both social media companies and the public in the coming months to determine how compliance will be monitored and what penalties will apply for violations.

Malaysia had already decided in October 2025 to raise the minimum age for social media use from 13 to 16, part of an effort to shield teenagers from harmful online content, digital addiction, and data privacy risks.

Malaysia’s decision comes as other countries adopt similar rules. In Australia, Snapchat has begun verifying the ages of teenage users ahead of new laws that will ban social media access for anyone under 16.

Starting this week, Snapchat users in Australia must confirm their age to keep using the app. Beginning December 10, new regulations will require platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to delete accounts belonging to underage users or face major fines.

By enforcing the new rules in 2026, Malaysia will become one of the first countries in Southeast Asia to introduce such strict protections for minors.