This Country Is Banning Social Media For Under 16s

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia plans to ban social media accounts from people under 16 starting in 2026. Australia and a growing number of countries are enforcing stricter digital age limits for children.

The Cabinet approved the move as part of a broader effort to protect young people from online harm such as cyberbullying, fraud and sexual abuse, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said on Sunday.

He said the government was examining approaches taken by Australia and other countries and the potential use of electronic checks with ID cards or passports to verify users’ ages.

He did not say exactly when the ban would be implemented.

“If the government, regulators and parents all play their part, I believe we can ensure that the Internet in Malaysia is not only fast, widespread and affordable, but also, most importantly, safe, especially for children and families,” he said.

Since January, major social media and messaging platforms with at least 8 million users in Malaysia have been required to obtain licenses as part of further tightening government control over digital platforms.

Licensed platforms must implement age verification, content security measures and transparency rules to reflect the government’s push for a safer digital space.

Australian parliament passes law The world’s first social media ban on children It will start on December 10 and the minimum age limit will be set at 16.

Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok,

Australia’s move is being watched closely by countries that share its concerns. effects of social media on young children.

The Danish government also announced earlier this month that it plans to: prohibit access Everyone under the age of 15 will be connected to social media, although details of how the measures will be implemented remain unclear. Norway is also moving forward with a proposed law that would set the minimum age for accessing social media platforms at 15.