Malaysia planning to bar under-16s from social media
The Malaysian government is planning to ban social media use for users under 16, as part of a wider effort to improve online safety for children, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said.
Fahmi said the government expects platform providers to roll out electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) systems by next year, using MyKad, passports or MyDigital ID to verify age.
“We expect all platform providers to be ready to implement eKYC by next year,” he told The Star.
He also noted that Malaysia is closely observing Australia’s similar move: from 10 December 2025, Australian social media platforms will be required to prevent users under 16 from having accounts.
Under Australia’s Social Media Minimum Age law, platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit and others must take “reasonable steps” to deactivate or block accounts of under-16s.
Fahmi added that parents should encourage their children to spend less time on screens and increase outdoor activities as part of the national push for safer digital habits.
IBNS
Senior Staff Reporter at Northeast Herald, covering news from Tripura and Northeast India.
Related Articles
US military breach? Chinese national faces charges after alleged base photography
The United States Department of Justice has filed a criminal complaint against Qilin Wu, a 35-year-old Chinese national, accusing him of unauthorised photography of a sensitive military installation in the state of Missouri, U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price announced.
Pakistan: Afghan journalist detained in Islamabad, sparks fears of forced deportation
Pakistani police have detained an Afghan journalist in Islamabad, raising concerns over the safety of exiled reporters and the risk of possible forced deportation, according to media reports.
Dramatic scenes in London as protester climbs Iranian Embassy, rips down flag
A protester climbed onto the balcony of the Iranian Embassy in London as hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside, chanting anti-government slogans, media reports said.
Thousands protest ICE shooting in Minneapolis as leaders urge calm amid nationwide demonstrations
Thousands of people marched through Minneapolis on Saturday to protest the fatal shooting of a woman by a federal immigration officer and the shooting of two protesters in Portland, Oregon, as Minnesota leaders urged demonstrators to remain peaceful amid rising tensions.
Latest News
US military breach? Chinese national faces charges after alleged base photography
Pakistan: Afghan journalist detained in Islamabad, sparks fears of forced deportation
Multiple suspected Pakistani drones spotted near Jammu and Kashmir border, security forces on high alert
India is moving ahead with remarkable certainty amid global uncertainty: Modi at Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference inauguration
