Starting from 2026, Malaysia has decided to raise the age restriction for social media registration to 16 years old. This decision was announced at a recent cyber scam awareness seminar, led by Minister of Communications, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. The Malaysian government has expressed its commitment to safeguarding children online, and these steps are part of that pledge.
Social media platforms will be required to put identity verification measures into place. The aim is to ensure that young users meet the revised age limit. Datuk Fahmi Fadzil explained that a similar regulation has already been planned for implementation in Australia, and that Malaysia will study and learn from the implementation strategies of other countries to develop the most effective practices.
This initiative is part of an overarching plan to safeguard Malaysian children online. This plan will become law with the Online Safety Act, which will be effective from January 1, 2026.
Parents have been encouraged to promote outdoor activities for their children and to monitor their usage of electronic devices closely, in order to reduce screen time. The intention is to cultivate healthier habits in children and to prevent them from becoming overly reliant on digital media.
Last month, the Malaysian Cabinet proposed an increase in the minimum age for social media users to 16, a change from the previously suggested age of 13. In order to ensure this, social media platforms will need to verify the ages of users during registration using official identification documents such as MyKad, passports, and MyDigital ID.
Furthermore, the Cabinet reviewed the idea of establishing a special task force to identify and address issues that schools across the country might be encountering due to the use of social media among students. In line with these discussions, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has disclosed that the Cabinet is also considering imposing a ban on smartphone usage for individuals below the age of 16.
Q: What changes are being made to social media registration in Malaysia?
A: From 2026, the minimum age for social media registration in Malaysia is being raised to 16 years. Social media platforms will also be required to implement identity verification measures during registration.
Q: What is the purpose of these changes?
A: These changes are part of the Malaysian Government’s plan to protect children online. The measures are intended to ensure that young users meet the age requirement for social media usage.
Q: What else is the Malaysian government considering to protect children online?
A: In addition to the changes in social media registration, the Malaysian government is considering the establishment of a task force to address issues arising in schools due to students’ use of social media. There are also discussions about potentially banning smartphone usage for those under 16 years old.
