Malaysia’s government has announced its intention to impose restrictions on social media access for children under the age of 16, a policy that echoes Australia’s recent similar legislative action. The announcement, made on Sunday, was brief and contained minimal specific details regarding the implementation timeline or enforcement mechanisms. This decision follows a period of increased government oversight and scrutiny of online platforms, particularly in relation to their impact on young users.
The move is part of a broader international trend aimed at mitigating the risks associated with social media exposure for minors, such as cyberbullying, misinformation, and mental health concerns. Officials have emphasized the need to protect young users from the potential harms of unregulated social media use, including exposure to harmful content, online predators, and the influence of extremist ideologies.
Similar measures have already been enacted in several countries, including Australia, which has implemented a national law banning minors under 16 from using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. The Malaysian government has not yet provided clear details on how the new restrictions will be enforced, but it is expected that a framework resembling Australia’s legislation will be developed. The policy is likely to be scrutinized by legal experts and advocacy groups, who will assess its effectiveness in balancing digital safety with the rights of young users.