Malaysia Plans to Ban Social Media for Those Under 16

The Malaysian government plans to set an age limit for social media users, intending to ban adolescents under the age of 16 from using social media starting next year.

Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said on the 23rd that the government is studying practices in countries like Australia and hopes to implement relevant restrictive measures by next year to protect teenagers from online bullying, scams, and other harms. By then, according to the Malaysian government's regulations, social media platforms will be prohibited from allowing individuals under 16 to open accounts.

In a video posted on the website of Malaysia's The Star, Fahmi Fadzil said that as long as the government, regulators, and families each "fulfill their responsibilities," they can ensure Malaysia's internet environment is fast and safe.

In September, Malaysian media cited survey results from the polling firm Ipsos Group reporting that in Malaysia, over 70% of respondents support restricting children's use of social media.

In recent years, Malaysia has strengthened its regulation of social media platforms to address the increasing number of cybercrimes.

The Australian parliament passed a bill last November banning minors under the age of 16 from using most social media platforms. Social media companies that fail to take reasonable measures to prevent this age group from using their platforms could face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (approximately 229 million Chinese yuan). This law is scheduled to take effect this December. Countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, and New Zealand have also taken measures to restrict teenagers' use of social media.