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.
Read also
Odesa Theological Seminary invites to study choral conducting
The Choral Conducting Department at the Archangel Michael Monastery has begun accepting applications for training in church singing, reading, and choir conducting.
St. Nicholas parish of UOC in Bari celebrates its patronal feast
In Italy, on the Feast of St. Nicholas, the UOC clergy from various European countries celebrated the Divine Liturgy.
His Beatitude Onuphry: Not a single iota of compromise in matters of faith
Metropolitan Onuphry called to preserve the purity of Orthodoxy and defend the true teaching of the Church.
Constantinople Patriarch holds negotiations with Anglicans in Istanbul
Representatives of the Constantinople Patriarchate and the Anglican Church discussed issues of "mutual understanding" and preparation for a new stage of dialogue.
DESS head: Revival of Judaism in Ukraine is a true miracle
Viktor Yelensky opened a school for Jewish boys in Anativka.
Metropolitan Onuphry shares how Saint Nicholas leads people to faith
In his sermon on the Feast of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas, the Primate of the UOC gave an example of a Soviet family that turned to the saint in despair and found faith.