Malaysia eyes $2m fines for platforms allowing under-16 users
Malaysia will soon bar children under 16 from opening social media accounts and impose heavy fines on platforms that fail to comply, the government announced as it prepares to implement the Cyber Security Act 2024 on January 1, 2026.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said authorities are developing an age-verification system that would require Malaysians to prove their identity through electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) checks, using documents such as identity cards. Non-citizens would verify their age with passports or residency documents.
Under the proposed rules, social media companies that allow under-16s to create accounts could face penalties of up to RM10 million (about USD $2.1 million).
Fahmi said the government is studying how other countries are implementing similar restrictions, including Australia, which this month became the first nation to ban social media access for those under 16. Platforms there face fines of up to AU$49.5 million (about USD $33 million) if they fail to enforce the ban.
Malaysia’s decision follows rising concern about online safety for children. Fahmi cited a recent incident involving a primary school pupil who requested indecent images from a teacher via WhatsApp as an example of why tighter controls are needed.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
