Social Media Ban

The Malaysian Cabinet decided to prohibit children under 16 from having social media accounts, with hopes the ban will be enforced by 2026.

Last updated at Nov 27, 2025

Social Media Ban

The Malaysian Cabinet decided to prohibit children under 16 from having social media accounts, with hopes the ban will be enforced by 2026.

Last updated at Nov 27, 2025

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🔥 No Decision Yet To Penalise Parents

🆔 E-KYC Verification System

To enforce the age restriction, the government is considering implementing Electronic Know-Your-Customer (e-KYC) identity verification for social media accounts, potentially using official documents like the MyKad or MyDigital ID. This process is being reviewed for suitability to prevent users under 16 from creating accounts.

- Generated by AI

💻 Cabinet Prohibits Accounts

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced on 23 November 2025 that the Malaysian Cabinet decided to "prohibit those under 16 from having social media accounts." The government hopes that all social media platforms will comply with this decision by 2026 as part of efforts to protect children online from harmful content.

- Generated by AI

🗣️ Mixed Public Reactions

The proposal has elicited mixed reactions from the public and stakeholders. Some MPs, including Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim, voiced strong support for the ban, while others expressed concern about the challenges of enforcement and the potential impact on online education resources for children under the age of 16.

- Generated by AI

⏪ Previously: Big Tech Warns Of Risks

Big tech companies like Meta have cautioned the Malaysian government against an outright ban, arguing that imposing higher age restrictions could be counterproductive. They suggest that banning social media may push minors to unmoderated and less safe online spaces, such as games and other platforms, where parental supervision is weaker.

- Generated by AI

🇦🇺 Australia's Landmark Ban

Malaysia is studying similar measures adopted elsewhere, such as Australia, which approved a world-first law in November 2024 banning under-16s from social media. Companies like Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat face fines up to A$50 million if they fail to implement "reasonable steps" to enforce the age ban, which is set to take effect in December.

- Generated by AI

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