Malaysia on Monday began enforcing rules barring children younger than 16 from owning social media accounts, marking the latest step in a global push to strengthen online safety protections for young users.
The new regulations require social media platforms to implement age-verification systems and block users under 16 from creating accounts. The rules apply specifically to platforms with at least 8 million users in Malaysia, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Companies that fail to comply with the age-verification requirements could face penalties of up to 10 million ringgit, approximately $2.5 million. However, parents whose children manage to bypass the law will not be penalized under the new framework.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission announced that age verification for current users will be gradually implemented over the next six months. Individuals identified as being under 16 will have one month to download or transfer their personal data, including photos and videos, before any suspensions or other measures take effect.
Platforms are expected to use government-issued records such as identity cards or passports for age verification. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission stated clearly that users below the age of 16 are not permitted to register for social media accounts on covered platforms.
The restriction forms part of Malaysia’s Online Safety Act 2025, which came into force on January 1, 2026. The government said the measures aim to protect children from harmful content, cyberbullying, and platform features designed to encourage excessive use.
Under the new rules, platforms will also be required to introduce safety-by-design features, including protections against manipulative design that encourages compulsive use. Companies must take action against underage accounts and harmful content once identified.
The enforcement approach uses a deeming provision under Section 46A of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which brings major overseas-based online platforms under Malaysian jurisdiction even if they lack a physical or registered presence in the country. Service providers with eight million or more users in Malaysia are automatically deemed licensed and must comply with the Act.
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