The Malaysian government has moved to block the creation of new social media accounts for individuals under the age of 16 with immediate effect, according to reports.
Malaysia’s Communications Regulatory Authority officially confirmed the decision on Monday (01), introducing stricter regulations aimed at improving online safety for children and teenagers.
Under the new rules, users attempting to create accounts on major social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube will be required to verify their age using government-issued identification records.
Authorities have also announced penalties of up to 10 million Malaysian ringgit (approximately US$2.5 million) for social media companies found to be violating the new regulations.
However, existing social media accounts belonging to users under 16 will not be removed immediately.
Instead, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has granted social media companies a six-month grace period to develop technical systems capable of verifying the ages of existing users.
Officials stressed that the policy is not intended to prevent young people from accessing technology or the internet.
Instead, authorities say the primary objective is to encourage social media platforms, parents, and guardians to take greater responsibility for protecting children online.
Governments worldwide have increasingly raised concerns over the effects of social media use on the mental health, safety, and wellbeing of children and young people.
With this move, Malaysia has become one of the latest countries to introduce legal restrictions targeting social media access for minors.
