Govt Set To Ban M’sians Under 16 From Social Media In 2026

By Lara Kramer  •  24 Nov 2025 in News

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Starting next year, Malaysians under 16 may no longer be allowed to create or own social media accounts.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed that the Cabinet has already signed off on the plan, saying the main goal is to shield younger users from online risks that have become harder to control.

Speaking after the Cyber Scam Awareness Seminar for the Indian Community, he said the government hopes platforms will be ready to follow the new rule as early as next year. For now, officials are studying how best to enforce the age limit.

Malaysia is looking at countries like Australia, which already sets a general minimum age for social media access, and weighing which approach fits the local landscape.

One of the measures on the table is mandatory eKYC verification. This would require new users to prove their identity with documents such as MyKad, passports, or MyDigital ID before an account can be created. If adopted, it would mark a significant shift from the current system where many platforms rely on self-declared age checks.

Fahmi added that platforms are expected to roll out verification tools next year, adding that online safety isn’t only a government responsibility.

He called for regulators, tech companies, and parents to share the load so that the country’s internet space stays fast and accessible but also safe for families.

This proposed ban is one of the most serious moves Malaysia has taken to regulate how minors interact with social media. More detailed guidelines on how it will work are expected in the coming months.

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