Another country set to join Australia with ban on social media for children

Australia has recently enacted a groundbreaking law prohibiting individuals under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, marking one of the strictest regulations of its kind globally - (Getty Images)

Malaysia is set to prohibit social media accounts for individuals under 16 from 2026, aligning with Australia and other nations implementing stricter digital age limits for children.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil confirmed on Sunday that the Cabinet approved the move. He stated it aims to shield young people from online harms including cyberbullying, scams, and sexual exploitation. The government, he added, is examining approaches from Australia and others, alongside potential electronic age verification using identity cards or passports. The exact enforcement date remains undisclosed.