Following Indonesia, Malaysia tightens social media restrictions for under-16s
Malaysia follows Indonesia in restricting access to social media for users under 16, with the rule taking effect from 1 June 2026. According to a report by Engadget on Friday 22 May, Malaysia’s cabinet approved the age-restriction on social media in November 2025. Malaysia is joining a wave of countries that are now restricting access to social media for children in order to protect the younger generation from real threats in cyberspace. Indonesia and Australia had already implemented restrictions. Britain and Spain are currently considering similar bans.
New users must undergo verification when signing up, and existing users will be asked to verify that they are over 16.
“This step aims to reduce young users’ exposure to harmful content, unsafe interactions, and features of platforms that may not be appropriate for their age,” the government statement said.
The policy gives digital platforms freedom to choose which verification technology and age-verification steps to adopt. However, digital platforms will be required to include verification steps depending on government-issued identity cards issued by the Malaysian government.
Websites and apps are required to block users who fail verification from creating an account, and to restrict access for existing users.
In addition to age verification, social media companies will be required to provide “clear and easily accessible reporting mechanisms for harmful content that affects children’s usage”. They are expected to introduce “age-appropriate protections and safety features from the design stage” and to take action on reports involving accounts that could belong to users under 16.
As 1 June approaches, Malaysia is granting a grace period to social media companies to implement the age-verification processes. The Malaysian government did not specify how long the period would last, only saying that it would be “reasonable” and that it would inform providers of the deadline when relevant.