Malaysia to Ban Social Media for Under-16s From 2026

Key Takeaways

• Malaysia will ban social media access for users under 16 starting in 2026
• The government is studying age restriction models from Australia and other nations
• Move aims to protect youth from cyberbullying, scams, and sexual exploitation

Malaysia has announced it will prohibit social media access for children under 16 beginning in 2026, joining a global push to safeguard young users from online dangers. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil revealed the plan on November 23, 2025, stating the government is examining age verification systems used in Australia and other countries.

“We hope by next year that social media platforms will comply with the government’s decision to bar those under the age of 16 from opening user accounts,”

Fadzil told reporters, according to a video shared by The Star.

Global Context of Social Media Restrictions

The decision comes amid growing worldwide concern about social media’s impact on youth mental health and safety. Major platforms including , Snapchat, Google, and Meta (operator of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) face lawsuits in the United States alleging they contributed to a mental health crisis among young users.

Australia will implement its own teen social media ban next month, deactivating accounts of users under 16. European nations including France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Greece are collaboratively testing an age verification application.

Regional Approaches to Online Safety

Neighboring Indonesia initially planned minimum age requirements for social media in January but later adopted less restrictive measures focusing on content filtering and enhanced age verification.

Malaysia has intensified scrutiny of social media companies in recent years, citing increases in harmful content including online gambling and sensitive posts about race, religion, and royalty. Under regulations effective since January, platforms with over 8 million Malaysian users must now obtain operating licenses.