Malaysia Implements Ban on Social Media for Children Under 16; Know the Full Rules and Penalties
मुख्य बातें
- •Malaysia has made age verification mandatory for children under 16 to access social media platforms.
- •Violating companies may face fines of up to ₹25 lakh, while parents of underage users will not be penalized.
- •Australia was the first country to ban social media use for children under 16, effective from December 10, 2025.
- •Similar rules have been implemented in Brazil and Indonesia, while France’s proposal is awaiting final approval.
- •Meta has warned that strict regulations could push children toward unsafe platforms, increasing online risks.
The Malaysian government has enforced a new rule from Monday, September 16, 2024, restricting social media access for children under the age of 16. Under this regulation, users must complete age verification before accessing major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Children below 16 will no longer be permitted to create new accounts on these platforms. The primary objective of this rule is to shield children from harmful content, cyberbullying, and excessive screen time.
Companies violating this rule may face fines of up to ₹25 lakh. However, if children manage to create accounts despite the restrictions, their parents will not be penalized. The government has clarified that its aim is not to completely isolate children from the internet but to ensure their online safety. Social media platforms will be required to develop measures that protect children from harmful content.
