Malaysia to introduce age-verification rule barring under-16s from social media

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: On 24 November 2025, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching told the Dewan Rakyat (The House of Representative) that Putrajaya intends to restrict social-media account creation for users under 16 from next year.

She confirmed that the government is proposing the use of MyDigital ID as an age-verification tool in discussions with platform providers.

According to her statement to the House of Representatives, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission will work with the Communications Ministry to refine the mechanism.

Teo noted that the plan is still being discussed with platform providers to ensure that implementation is technically feasible.

She said the proposed verification requirement is consistent with developments overseas.

According to her, Australia is preparing to impose a similar rule in December using its own assessment model.

Teo was responding to a question by Kota Melaka member of parliament Khoo Poay Tiong, who asked how the government intended to prevent minors from creating social-media accounts.

Her remarks followed comments by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil on 23 November, who outlined the government’s broader direction.

According to Fahmi, the planned restriction is part of efforts to strengthen protections for children under the Online Safety Act, which takes effect on 1 January.

He said all platform providers will be required to implement electronic know-your-customer verification next year.

Fahmi added that eKYC authentication must rely on official identification, including MyKad, passports and MyDigital ID.

The minister said the government will monitor Australia’s upcoming rules for lessons that may guide Malaysian implementation.

He also advised families to encourage outdoor activities for younger children rather than extended screen use.

Fahmi reminded parents to supervise how their children engage with digital devices and online content.

Globally, several governments have begun tightening age restrictions on social-media access.

Denmark announced this month a plan to prohibit children under 15 from using social-media platforms.

It will allow limited parental consent for those aged 13 to 14.

Denmark’s proposal goes further than the European Union’s Digital Services Act, which restricts account creation for children under 13 without parental consent.

Australia will bar children under 16 from accessing social-media platforms from 10 December, requiring platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent new under-16 accounts and to deactivate or remove existing ones.