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Malaysia to Bar Social Media for Under-16s from 2026, Eyes Electronic ID Age Checks

Malaysia plans to ban social media accounts for people under 16 from 2026, with the Cabinet approving the proposal to protect children from online harms such as cyberbullying, scams and sexual exploitation. The government is exploring electronic age checks using identity documents and reviewing models used in Australia and Europe. Since January, platforms with at least 8 million Malaysian users must hold licences and adopt age verification and content-safety measures. Authorities say further details on enforcement will be released as regulations are finalised.

05:25 PM, 11/24/2025Politics
Malaysia to Bar Social Media for Under-16s from 2026, Eyes Electronic ID Age Checks

Malaysia has announced plans to prohibit people under 16 from holding social media accounts starting in 2026, joining Australia and several European countries in tightening digital age limits for children.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the Cabinet approved the proposal as part of a broader effort to protect young Malaysians from online harms such as cyberbullying, scams and sexual exploitation. The government is studying models used abroad — including Australia’s new law — and is considering electronic age checks linked to identity cards or passports to verify users’ ages. Fahmi did not specify an exact enforcement date.

“I believe that if the government, regulatory bodies, and parents all play their roles, we can ensure that the Internet in Malaysia is not only fast, widespread and affordable but, most importantly, safe — especially for children and families.”

Since January, Malaysia has required major social media and messaging platforms with at least 8 million users in the country to obtain a licence. Licensed platforms must implement age verification, content-safety measures and transparency rules as part of the government’s push for a safer online environment.

Australia’s parliament has approved a law — due to take effect Dec. 10 — that sets the minimum age for social media accounts at 16 and allows fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (about $33 million) for systemic failures that let younger children create accounts. Denmark and Norway are also moving toward minimum ages of 15, though enforcement details remain unclear in those countries.

What this could mean and the trade-offs ahead

Policymakers say age limits and verification can reduce harm to children online, but the measures raise technical, privacy and enforcement questions. Electronic age checks tied to national IDs could improve verification accuracy but would need strong safeguards to protect users’ personal data. Platforms and civil-society groups have also warned about the risks of excluding teens from beneficial online resources and the potential for circumvention through false information or shared accounts.

As Malaysia develops its approach, officials say they will weigh foreign models and consult stakeholders to balance safety, privacy and access. Details on enforcement mechanics and timelines are expected as the government finalizes regulations.

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