Social Media: Social Media Ban for Under-16s; Heavy Fines for Companies..

Global concern regarding the online safety of children is on the rise. Amidst this, Malaysia has taken a significant step by deciding to ban social media account registration for children under the age of 16. The new regulation came into effect on June 1, 2026, making it mandatory for social media companies to verify the age of their users.

According to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube must now verify users' ages based on government records. Any company failing to comply with these regulations could face a fine of up to 10 million Malaysian Ringgit (approximately $2.5 million).

**What is the Objective?**
The government states that the aim of this initiative is not to keep children away from the internet or technology, but rather to protect them from harmful and inappropriate content found online. Furthermore, it seeks to heighten the sense of responsibility among social media companies, parents, and guardians to ensure that minors are provided with a safe digital environment.

Under the new regulations, the age verification process will apply not only to new users but also to existing accounts. Social media platforms have been granted a six-month grace period to complete this task. During this time, companies are expected to implement the necessary modifications to their systems and verify the details of their current user base.

Over the past few years, Malaysia has witnessed a significant surge in harmful online content, misinformation, and posts that exacerbate social tensions. The government is taking a particularly strict stance against content that incites racial or religious discord, or targets the country's constitutional institutions.

Malaysia's decision comes at a time when numerous countries around the world are formulating new regulations regarding children's social media usage. Experts believe that excessive use of social media can have a detrimental impact on children's mental health, academic performance, and social behavior.

This move by Malaysia is being hailed as a major effort toward bolstering the digital safety of children. In the near future, other nations may follow suit by implementing similar regulations, thereby further strengthening the protection of minors across social media platforms.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.