Malaysia is the latest country with plans to limit social media use by age. On Sunday, the country’s cabinet approved banning social media accounts of anyone under 16 years of age. The Associated Press Report. This comes as concerns have increased globally about the negative impact of social media on children.
The ban will reportedly take effect in 2026. Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmy Fadzil said in a statement, “I believe that if the government, regulatory bodies and parents all play their part, we can ensure that the internet in Malaysia is not only fast, widespread and affordable but most importantly, safe, especially for children and families.” The Associated PressThe country already requires licenses for social media and messaging platforms with more than eight million local users, These companies will have to take steps like age verification and security measures,
The Malaysian government is looking to countries like Australia to see the success of electronic ID verification testing. On December 10, Australia will implement the world’s first blanket social media ban for anyone under the age of 16. Social media companies must ensure compliance or face fines of up to $49.5 million AUD ($32 million USD). Platforms affected by the ban include X, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, YouTube, and Twitch.
Earlier this month, Denmark announced it was taking steps toward banning social media for anyone under the age of 15. “Children and young people’s sleep is disrupted, they lose their peace and concentration and experience increased pressure from digital interactions, where adults are not always present,” Denmark’s Ministry of Digitalization said.
In the US, some states have attempted to impose their own restrictions. In Utah, teens now need parental consent to create social media accounts. In Texas, a bill that would have banned social media for anyone under 18 failed to pass, while in Florida a law requiring consent for people under 16 and banning people under 14 passed but is stalled in court.
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