Malaysia has initiated a measure to prevent individuals under 16 years old from registering on social media platforms, as per a recent report by Reuters. The country’s communications regulator has confirmed the implementation of new regulations that mandate platforms like Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, TikTok, and Google’s YouTube to authenticate a user’s age using government-issued ID records. Failure to comply could lead to fines of up to 10 million ringgit, approximately 2.5 million US dollars.
Existing accounts belonging to underage users will not be immediately deactivated. Instead, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, the overseeing body, has granted a six-month period for social media companies to introduce age verification for current users.
The commission clarified that the objective of the policy is not to disconnect young individuals from the internet or hinder their access to technology. Rather, it aims to encourage platforms, parents, and guardians to take greater responsibility in safeguarding children online.
This action places Malaysia among the latest countries to enforce legal restrictions on minors’ access to social media, aligning with a growing global concern over the influence of these platforms on the mental well-being and safety of young users.
Moreover, this development reflects Malaysia’s broader efforts to regulate online content. Authorities have observed a surge in harmful materials in recent times and have been proactive in addressing posts that incite racial or religious tensions, or criticize the nation’s monarchy.
