Key facts
- Malaysia banned social media accounts for children under 16.
- Platforms must implement age-verification systems and block users under 16.
- Existing users identified as under 16 will have one month to download data.
- Companies failing to comply face penalties up to 10 million ringgit ($2.5 million).
- The measures are enforced under the Online Safety Act 2025 by the MCMC.
Malaysia's ban on social media for those under 16 is part of a global trend of governments increasing online safety regulations for minors. Concerns about cyberbullying, data privacy, and exposure to harmful content have prompted such measures worldwide. While aiming to protect children, the regulations also raise questions about data protection, potential surveillance, and the effectiveness of age verification.