Malaysia has officially started enforcing new rules that prevent children under 16 from creating social media accounts, joining a growing global push for stronger online safety protections.

Malaysia has officially begun enforcing new regulations that bar children under the age of 16 from registering social media accounts on major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and others. The rules took effect on June 1, 2026.

Under the new policy, social media companies with large user bases in Malaysia must implement age-verification systems and prevent underage users from opening accounts. Existing users identified as being under 16 may also face account restrictions or removal after a transition period. Companies that fail to comply could face penalties of up to 10 million ringgit (about $2.5 million).

Malaysian authorities say the move is designed to protect children from harmful content, cyberbullying, online predators, scams, and addictive platform features. Officials stressed that the goal is not to block technology access entirely but to create a safer digital environment for minors.

The decision places Malaysia among a growing number of countries introducing age-based restrictions on social media use, as governments worldwide debate the impact of digital platforms on children’s mental health and online safety.

However, critics have raised concerns about privacy, surveillance, and whether teenagers may simply bypass the restrictions by using alternative platforms or false age information.

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The regulations restrict social media account ownership and registration for users under 16 but do not completely ban children’s access to the internet. Enforcement methods and platform compliance may continue evolving over the coming months.