Malaysia has joined a growing list of countries imposing a ban on social media platforms for users under 16, in a bid to tighten online safety protections and shield young users from harmful content.
The new rules will require social media platforms to implement stricter age verification systems and block all users under 16 from creating accounts.
According to Malaysian authorities, the regulations will cover major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The country currently has around 8 million active social media users.
Companies found violating the rules will face fines of up to 10 million ringgit (approximately $2.5 million).
However, parents whose children bypass the restrictions will not be penalised.
Experts have raised concerns about potential loopholes, including cases where parents allow teens to use their credentials to circumvent the safety measures.
Similar concerns were voiced when Australia and France announced comparable measures.
Other countries, including Brazil and Indonesia, have introduced or announced age-based restrictions for children’s access to social media.
Nations such as Britain, Spain, Denmark, Thailand, and South Korea are also studying or developing similar approaches.
