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THE Nation will introduce a minimum age of 16 for social media users in the second half of 2026, a measure experts describe as a vital “digital safeguard” to protect young people from harmful online content and interactions.
Bernama cited Associate Professor Dr Mohd Khairie Ahmad, Dean of the School of Multimedia Technology and Communication at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), saying the policy is a strategic initiative to support children’s holistic development while fostering a safer online environment.
“This move ensures that social media providers operate more responsibly, prioritising the safety and well-being of their users.
“Restricting those under 16 from registering or maintaining social media accounts is like a ‘digital seatbelt,’ offering an added layer of protection for young users,” Dr Mohd Khairie said.
He highlighted that the initiative complements the government’s 2025 requirement for social media platforms to obtain operating licences, strengthening accountability for user safety.
He also pointed to growing concerns over teenagers being exposed to harmful content and unsafe online interactions.
“From a psychological perspective, children and early adolescents are still developing. Their brains are highly susceptible to environmental influences due to heightened neuroplasticity, making them vulnerable to cyber victimisation, online bullying, and issues with self-image and low self-esteem,” he said.
To ensure effective enforcement, Dr Mohd Khairie recommended implementing electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) systems, which verify identities through document scans, facial recognition, and biometric matching.
He suggested integrating Malaysia’s MyDigital ID system for an additional secure verification layer.
“Social media platform providers must also take greater responsibility in enforcing this policy. Following Australia’s example, platforms are required to prove that account holders meet the minimum age requirement.
Failure to enforce age limits can result in heavy fines. In Australia, penalties can reach up to AUD50 million if platforms fail to take reasonable measures to prevent under-16 users from accessing their services,” he said.
Dr Mohd Khairie also emphasised the need for parents and guardians to be digitally literate, warning against bypassing restrictions or creating accounts for children.
He called for awareness campaigns and digital parenting programmes to complement the minimum age policy.
He praised Indonesia, which today became the first Asian country to restrict access to high-risk digital platforms for children under 16, but said Malaysia’s system will initially be stricter, relying on eKYC verification rather than a combination of digital identity and AI-based age estimation.
The policy forms part of a broader effort to ensure social media platforms operate responsibly while safeguarding the mental health and safety of Malaysia’s youth. - March 28, 2026
