Malaysia has announced its intention to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, a move that mirrors Australia’s recent decision to implement similar restrictions. The announcement, made on Sunday, was relatively brief and provided little detail on the specifics of the proposed regulation. This decision comes amid increasing pressure on social media companies to address concerns over the impact of these platforms on young users.
The move is part of a broader trend of governments around the world seeking to regulate digital spaces, particularly in response to growing concerns about online safety and mental health. In Australia, the government has been pushing for stricter regulations on social media companies, including the introduction of a national safeguard mechanism for children. Malaysia’s proposed ban is expected to follow a similar approach, focusing on protecting minors from potential harm.
Social media platforms have been under intense scrutiny in Malaysia in recent months, with lawmakers and advocacy groups calling for greater accountability from tech companies. The potential ban on children under 16 is seen as a direct response to these pressures. The government has not yet released details on how the regulation will be implemented, including whether it would involve age verification systems or content filtering mechanisms.