KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has started enforcing new regulations that prevent individuals under the age of 16 from creating accounts on social media platforms, as part of broader efforts to safeguard children from harmful online content.
The move places Malaysia among a growing number of countries introducing stricter controls on access to digital platforms amid increasing concerns about the effects of social media on the wellbeing and safety of young users.
Under the new rules, which took effect on Monday, major social media services â including Metaâs Facebook and Instagram, TikTok, and Alphabetâs YouTube are required to verify usersâ ages using government-issued records, according to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Platforms that fail to comply with the requirements could face penalties of up to 10 million ringgit ($2.5 million).
âThe measure is not intended to prohibit child users from the internet or to deny them access to technology,â the commission said. Instead, it aims to strengthen accountability among social media companies, parents and guardians in ensuring the online safety of minors.
The age verification process will also be extended to existing users, with social media platforms given six months to complete implementation.
Malaysia has intensified oversight of social media companies in recent years following a significant increase in harmful online content. Authorities have also taken action against material considered likely to incite racial or religious tensions or content viewed as critical of the monarchy.
