Fahmi Fadzil: Govt to Ban Social Media Accounts for Under-16s Starting Next Year

The government is targeting a ban on individuals under the age of 16 from opening social media accounts beginning next year, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

He said the ban is based on a Cabinet decision aimed at curbing cybercrime across age groups and protecting children from sexual predators.

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“We hope that by next year, social media platforms will comply with the government’s decision to prohibit children under 16 from opening social media accounts,” he said.

To follow similar age-restriction measures implemented in Australia

In addition to the Online Safety Act and the Communications and Multimedia Act, the government is also studying the implementation of a general age limit similar to measures adopted in Australia and other countries, particularly in terms of enforcement mechanisms.

“Different countries may take different approaches, but we will examine the most suitable method to ensure those under 16 are prevented from having social media accounts,” he said.

One mechanism under consideration is requiring social media platforms to implement eKYC verification using government-issued identification documents such as MyKad, passports, and MyDigital ID.

Datuk fahmi fadzil

“We expect platforms to implement this by next year. I believe that if the government, regulators, and parents play their respective roles, we can ensure that the internet in Malaysia is not only fast, widespread, and affordable, but most importantly, safe, especially for children and families,” he added.

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