The Malaysian government is finalising regulations that will block children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, as part of a broader effort to safeguard online safety for minors.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil stated that10 subsidiary laws are being drafted under the Online Safety Act 2025 (Act 866), online service providers must implement age-verification mechanisms and ensure their platforms are not accessible to users younger than 16 years old.
In addition, providers will be required to offer effective parental-control tools and to draft an “online safety plan” outlining how they will comply with their obligations under the Act. These steps come amid growing concern over harms to minors. Between January to November 2025, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) flagged 957 cases of harmful and abusive content involving children on social media platforms.
According to the government’s timeline, the regulations are expected to take effect early in 2026. The move marks a significant shift in Malaysia’s approach to internet governance, emphasizing child protection and accountability for platform providers.
As digital landscape evolves, this policy is likely to reshape how Malaysian youths access the internet and may prompt wider debate about regulation, digital rights and youth protection online.
Sources: Makkal Osai, SAYS, NST
