Malaysia Plans to Ban Social Media Use for Users Under 16 Starting Next Year

Malaysia is gearing up to ban social media use for users under 16 starting next year. The government wants to stop anyone under 16 from creating accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fahmi Fadzil, the Communications Minister, shared that they’re working on systems to make sure social media companies follow this new rule when it kicks in.

This move by Malaysia comes as part of a global trend where more countries are trying to control how children access social media. Just like Malaysia plans to ban social media use for users under 16 next year, Australia recently passed a law to deactivate accounts for anyone under 16, which will start on December 10.

One big reason behind Malaysia’s plan is concern over young people’s mental health. The government wants to protect kids from harmful content, privacy risks, and being manipulated online. Since minors can easily lie about their age, stronger age-check systems will be necessary. This shows Malaysia is serious about matching international online safety standards.

Malaysia plans to ban social media use for users under 16

Other countries like France, Denmark, Italy, and Norway are working on similar rules. In the U.S., 24 states have laws about age checks on online platforms, with Utah leading by requiring app stores to verify age before minors can download apps.

If Malaysia’s ban goes ahead, social media companies will have to rethink how they let Malaysians join their sites. They might have to use tougher age-verification methods that could mean longer sign-up steps, new documents, or other ways to make sure users aren’t under 16.

There’s still a lot to figure out, though. It’s unclear how social media sites that rely on users’ honesty about their age will enforce this rule. They could face penalties if they don’t meet Malaysia’s standards, something like the U.K.’s Online Safety Act, which fines companies harshly if they fail to protect minors from harmful stuff online.

The ban could also impact young people who use these platforms for learning, entertainment, or staying in touch with friends. Parents, schools, and digital rights advocates might raise concerns about how the ban will be put into practice and how personal data will be handled.

At the end of the day, Malaysia’s plans to ban social media use for users under 16 next year signals a clear move toward protecting kids from unsafe online spaces. It adds Malaysia to a growing list of countries pushing for stricter age rules, which means social media giants will have to keep adapting to new demands worldwide.

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