Malaysia to ban social media for for under-16s

Smartphone with Facebook and Messenger apps in New Orleans, USA. Photo: Jenny Kane/AP Photo

On November 24, 2025, the Malaysian government announced its intention to ban social media for users under the age of 16 starting from next year. This was reported by Al Jazeera, highlighting that the country is joining a global trend of tightening digital restrictions to protect minors.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that the Cabinet approved new measures to protect youths from online harms such as cyberbullying, financial scams and child sexual abuse. Authorities are studying the Australian control model and considering the implementation of electronic age verification through ID or passport. A specific date for the ban to take effect has not yet been announced.

Malaysia's decision followed Australia's preparation for a similar ban, which will take effect on December 10 and already forces platforms – including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, X, and Reddit – to delete accounts of under-16 users under the threat of hefty fines. Meta stated that it would start blocking such accounts earlier, from December 4.

Malaysia has already tightened social media regulation: since January, platforms with an audience of over 8 million users are required to obtain a government license. The new ban will be enshrined in the Online Safety Act 2025, which forms one of the strictest digital child protection regimes in the region.

Previously, the UOJ reported on the results of a study indicating that social media are making humanity lose its ability to think.

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