Malaysia to ban social media for under-16s from 2026 — big online safety shift ahead

Social media ban Malaysia is set to become a major policy change as the government plans to block children under 16 from using social platforms starting in 2026. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced the move after a seminar, saying the aim is to improve online safety for young users.

Malaysia will require all social media platforms to introduce electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) identity checks by next year. These measures will help verify user age and prevent children from accessing platforms meant for adults. Fadzil said that social media ban Malaysia will work only if platforms cooperate fully, and he expects all providers to be ready by 2026.

The minister also noted that Malaysia is closely observing global trends. Australia will enforce a similar age restriction from Dec. 10, becoming the first country to ban users aged 16 and under from apps such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit, X, Threads, and Kick. Malaysia plans to learn from these early steps to strengthen its own system.

This age restriction is part of larger online safety rules under the Online Safety Act, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Fadzil also urged parents to play an active role by limiting screen time and encouraging outdoor activities for young children. He stressed that parental supervision remains essential, even with stronger digital policies.

In October, the Malaysian Cabinet officially decided to raise the minimum age for social media use from 13 to 16. The government believes these steps will create a safer digital environment for young people.