KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia plans to ban social media accounts for individuals beneath 16 beginning in 2026, becoming a member of Australia and a rising variety of nations pushing tighter digital age limits for kids.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated Sunday the Cupboard permitted the transfer as a part of a broader effort to protect younger individuals from on-line hurt like cyberbullying, scams and sexual exploitation.
He stated the federal government is learning approaches taken by Australia and different nations, and the potential use of digital checks with identification playing cards or passports to confirm customers’ ages.
He didn’t say when precisely the ban can be enforced.
“I consider that if the federal government, regulatory our bodies, and fogeys all play their roles, we will be sure that the Web in Malaysia just isn’t solely quick, widespread and reasonably priced however most significantly, secure, particularly for kids and households,” he stated.
DAVID GRAY by way of Getty Pictures
Since January, main social media and messaging platforms with at the least 8 million customers in Malaysia are required to acquire a licence as a part of a broader tightening of state oversight over digital platforms.
Licensed platforms should implement age verification, content-safety measures and transparency guidelines, reflecting the federal government’s push for a safer digital area.
Australia’s parliament enacted the world’s first ban on social media for children that may start Dec. 10, setting the minimal age at 16.
Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube in addition to message board Reddit and livestreaming service Kick face fines of as much as 50 million Australian {dollars} ($33 million) for systemic failures to stop youngsters youthful than 16 from holding accounts.
Australia’s transfer is being intently watched by nations that share considerations about social media impacts on younger youngsters.
Denmark’s authorities additionally introduced earlier this month plans to ban access to social media for anybody beneath 15, although particulars on how the measures can be enforced stay unclear. Norway can be shifting ahead with a proposed legislation that might set a minimal age restrict of 15 for accessing social media platforms.
