Malaysia has begun enforcing a nationwide ban preventing children under the age of 16 from registering new social media accounts, becoming one of the latest countries to tighten online safety regulations for minors. The new rules, which took effect on June 1, require major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to verify users’ ages using government-issued identification documents.

Under the regulations introduced by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), social media companies must implement robust age-verification systems and block underage users from creating accounts. Existing users identified as being under 16 will also be subject to verification procedures over the coming months. Platforms that fail to comply could face fines of up to 10 million ringgit (approximately $2.5 million).

Malaysian authorities say the measure is designed to protect children from cyberbullying, harmful content, online predators, and other digital risks rather than restrict access to technology altogether. The government has emphasized that parents, guardians, and technology companies share responsibility for ensuring a safer online environment for young users.

Malaysian authorities say the measure is designed to protect children from cyberbullying, harmful content, online predators, and other digital risks rather than restrict access to technology altogether. The government has emphasized that parents, guardians, and technology companies share responsibility for ensuring a safer online environment for young users.