Malaysia Plans Strict Age Verification as It Moves to Block Kids Under 16 from Social Platforms
Malaysia has announced that it will introduce a nationwide ban preventing children under the age of 16 from using social media, a move aimed at shielding young people from growing online risks. The government plans to enforce the measure next year as part of its broader effort to strengthen digital safety.
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Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said on Sunday that minors would no longer be allowed to create accounts on social platforms. To make this possible, authorities are considering strict age verification requirements — including the use of passports or other government-issued identification — to ensure compliance.
Malaysia already mandates major social media and messaging platforms to obtain licenses and implement safety mechanisms such as age verification and content protection. The country’s new plan follows Australia’s recent decision to deactivate social media accounts belonging to children under 16 starting December 10, marking a growing global shift toward tighter online safety regulations for youth.
