Malaysia Steps Up: Age Restrictions for Social Media Accounts

Malaysia will require social media users to be at least 16 years old to register accounts, as part of an initiative to protect minors from harmful online content. The measure mandates age verification against government records, with fines for non-complying platforms to ensure increased accountability.

Malaysia has implemented a new policy barring individuals under 16 from registering accounts on social media platforms, the communications regulator announced on Monday. This move places Malaysia among a growing list of countries taking steps to protect minors from harmful online content.

The new regulation will require social media giants such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to conduct age verification using government-issued records. Platforms failing to comply could face fines up to 10 million ringgit ($2.5 million), as stated by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.

This measure is not aimed at excluding children from internet access but rather fostering responsibility among platforms and parents to safeguard minors online. The regulation comes in the wake of increased scrutiny on social media firms due to rising concerns over harmful content and attempts to incite tension or criticize the monarchy.