Malaysia Enforces Social Media Ban: Malaysia has started implementing new rules banning children under 16 from creating social media accounts from Monday (1 June 2026). This step is being considered a part of global efforts to strengthen the online safety of children. However, not everyone agrees with this decision and some people have also expressed concerns about data security and possible surveillance.

Under the new rules, social media platforms with at least 8 million users in Malaysia will have to implement an age verification system. This includes big platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. These companies will have to ensure that children under 16 years of age cannot create a new account.

Also read: US Ro Khanna: Attacks on Hindus in America, hatred not tolerated! Proposal brought in US Parliament, 32 MPs gathered

Malaysian government issued instructions

According to the Communications and Multimedia Commission of Malaysia, age verification of existing users will be started within the next 6 months. Users who are below 16 years of age will be given one month time to download or transfer their photos, videos and other data. After this, ban or other action can be imposed on their account. The government has clarified that a fine of up to 10 million ringgit, or about 2.5 million US dollars, can be imposed on social media companies that do not follow these rules. However, if a child succeeds in creating an account by bypassing the rules, then there will be no punishment against his parents.

Ban in countries other than Malaysia

The Malaysian government says that the main objective of these rules is to protect children from harmful material, cyber bullying and excessive use of social media. The government believes that some platform features encourage children to stay online for a long time, which can affect their mental and social life. Many other countries of the world are also taking such steps regarding the online safety of children. Countries such as Australia, Brazil and Indonesia have implemented or announced age-based rules for social media use. At the same time, countries like Britain, France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand and South Korea are also considering similar policies.

What is the special purpose of banning social media?

The Regulatory Board of Malaysia has said that the purpose of these rules is not to distance children from digital technology. Rather, it aims to compel social media companies to increase user security, prevent excessive use, and take effective measures against underage users and harmful content. However, technology companies have not yet told how they will follow these rules. Meanwhile, Clara Koh has warned that a complete ban on children under 16 years of age could have the opposite effect. According to him, this may cause teenagers to leave safe and controlled platforms and move to parts of the Internet where monitoring and security measures are less.

Social media banned in Indonesia including Australia

Australia has implemented a complete ban on social media for children under 16 years of age. This rule came into effect from 10 December 2025. After this, Indonesia implemented a legal ban on social media for children under 16 years of age from 28 March 2026. In France, a bill to ban social media for children under 15 years of age has been passed by the Lower House, although it is yet to be approved by the Senate. Denmark is also working on a plan to ban social media for children under 15 years of age.

Ban in many countries of the world

Greece has started preparations to implement a social media ban for children under 15 from January 2027. At the same time, countries like Spain, Austria, Poland, Slovenia, Turkey and Britain are also considering new rules and possible restrictions to limit children’s social media use. In Italy, children under 14 years of age require parental permission to use social media. Under the rules already in force in France, parental consent is required for children under 15 years of age. In Germany too, parental permission is required for children between the ages of 13 and 16 to create or use social media accounts.

Also read: 2 mobile phones were purchased from Pakistan, remained switched off for 4 years… Shocking revelation in Pahalgam terrorist attack

People running big tech companies and social media platforms are themselves keeping their children away from them. The latest name in this series is that of YouTube CEO Neil Mohan. He recently told that his family makes limited use of online platforms. Talking about his children, he said that they can spend only limited time on YouTube and other platforms. Let us tell you that Mohan, who will take charge of YouTube in 2023, has been chosen CEO of the Year by Time Magazine this year.

Neil Mohan said this about screen time

In an interview with Time magazine, Mohan said, “We limit our children’s time on YouTube and other platforms and other media. We are more strict on weekdays and a little less strict on weekends.” Mohan has three children and has consistently stressed the use of parental control tools.

These veterans have also expressed concern

Like Mohan, other tech giants are also worried about the bad effect of social media on children. Former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki has also said that she only allows her young children to watch YouTube Kids, but there is a time limit on this too. He had said that excess of everything is bad. Elon Musk also said last year that he did not ban his children from using social media and it was his fault. He had said that most social media platforms are not good for children and they should stay away from them. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is also against giving phones to children at an early age. Gates told that he gave phones to his children only after they turned 14 years old.

Why is social media becoming a threat to children?

Continuous research is revealing that due to excessive use of social media, problems like anxiety, depression and sleeplessness are being seen in children. Apart from this, problems like cyber bullying and inability to concentrate are also occurring. A recent study has revealed that children who got mobile phones before the age of 12 years, faced problems like lack of sleep, weight gain, anxiety and depression. Amidst these concerns, Australia has banned social media for users below 16 years of age.

Read this also-

Social media addiction is increasing among people around the world, it is dangerous for mental health, if you see these signs then be careful.