Malaysia's under-16 social media ban goes into effect on June 1
Malaysia's new under-16 social media ban will take effect on June 1, requiring platforms to implement age verification systems. This initiative aims to protect children from harmful content and unsafe interactions online. Social media companies will need to block users under 16 and provide reporting mechanisms for harmful content.
- ▪The new rules were approved by Malaysia's cabinet in November 2025.
- ▪Social media platforms must ensure that no children under 16 can register for accounts.
- ▪Companies are required to implement age verification measures using government IDs or competent authority IDs.
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News Malaysia's under-16 social media ban goes into effect on June 1 Online platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube will have to adopt age verification systems. By Mariella Moon May 22, 2026 6:55 am EST Thaspol Sangsee/Shutterstock Malaysia's new under-16 initiative, which requires social networks to ensure that no children under 16 are using their services, will come into force on June 1. The country's cabinet approved the new rules in November 2025, a year after Australia's senate passed a similar bill but before its rules came into effect. Several other countries aside from Malaysia followed Australia's example in introducing regulations to keep children out of social media websites and apps in their countries, including Indonesia.
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