Malaysia has announced plans to implement a ban on children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, following a similar regulatory measure introduced in Australia. The decision, made with limited details, was announced on Sunday and comes as part of a broader effort to address online safety and protect young users from potential harms associated with social media use.
Recent months have seen increased scrutiny of social media companies in Malaysia, with calls for stricter regulations and content moderation policies. The country’s government has emphasized the need to balance free speech with the protection of minors, a challenge that has also been central to Australia’s recent legislative moves. While the specifics of Malaysia’s new policy remain unclear, the move is expected to prompt further discussions on digital governance and youth protection.