World Today: Malaysia Bans Social Media for Children Under 16
Malaysia has prohibited children under the age of 16 from registering accounts on social media platforms as part of an effort to protect minors from exposure to dangerous online content. Since Monday, social media platforms including Meta Platforms’ Facebook and Instagram, TikTok, and Alphabet’s YouTube must conduct age verification, according to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. Social media companies that fail to comply with these regulations may face fines of up to 10 million ringgit, or more than Rp45 million.
“This measure is not intended to ban child users from accessing the internet or to cut off their access to technology,” the government stated. The government added that this step was taken to demand accountability from social media platforms, parents, and guardians in protecting minors in the online world.
In other news, hundreds of people took to the streets in Nanyuki, central Kenya, on Monday to protest the United States’ plan to establish an Ebola quarantine facility at a military base. A court ordered a temporary suspension on Friday after a lawsuit was filed claiming the location could endanger public health. Senior US officials stated that the 50-bed unit at the air force base in the Laikipia region would serve American citizens who have been exposed to the virus but remain asymptomatic. The Kenyan government has also confirmed plans to establish the facility, with Kenyan Health Minister Aden Duale stating this is part of a broader effort to strengthen emergency response systems.
In sports, Serena Williams is returning to professional tennis at the age of 44 after an almost four-year absence. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion has received a ‘wildcard’ invitation to play doubles at the upcoming Queen’s Club grass tournament in London, as announced by the WTA Tour. Williams also shared a sponsored post with Nike on social media, captioned: “I guess everyone has heard the news.”
Meanwhile, in Taiwan, BTS fans are praying to Yue Lao, the Taoist god of love and marriage, in hopes of securing seats for the concert in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan. “It is very difficult to get BTS concert tickets, so people say praying to the God of Love is the most efficient way,” said Jessie Chuang, a 26-year-old fan. Last weekend, a group of K-pop fans, mostly BTS enthusiasts, placed purple-packaged snacks, group merchandise, concert seating maps, and wishlists on the altar at the Bangka Longshan Temple in Taipei. This trend began on social media several years ago, with Taiwanese K-pop fans believing that Yue Lao will use his red thread of fate to connect those destined to meet—in this case, connecting fans with concert seats.