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Malaysia’s ban on social media accounts for children under 16 officially kicked in during the public holiday on 1 June 2026.
The new Child Protection Code (CPC) under the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA) issued by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) applies to platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
The MCMC has given social media users under 16 years a month to transfer their data such as pictures and videos before their accounts are restricted or suspended.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil previously explained that the social media ban for those under 16 is to protect children from online predators, not to restrict free speech.
READ MORE: Government Wants To Ban Social Media For Kids Under 16 Next Year—Everyone’s Freaking Out
What to expect under the social media ban for kids under 16 years old?
The age-verification requirements for social media account registrations will require government-issued records or equivalent documents recognised by Malaysian authorities.
Meanwhile, licensed social media platforms are required to carry out age verification for existing users within six months. Only users aged 16 and above are allowed to register new accounts.
MCMC has not announced a standard verification process that all platforms should adhere to. In other words, these platforms are free to choose their own verification systems for now.
These platforms are also required to adopt proactive safeguards such as content moderations, risk assessments, user safety controls, and stronger platform accountability.
Platforms that don’t comply with the CPC may face action under the Online Safety Act 2025 and face punishments like fines of up to RM10 million.
READ MORE: Joint Letter To The Prime Minister Of Malaysia On The Proposed Social Media Ban For Under-16s
MCMC shared that parents and guardians will not face penalties for non-compliance.
MCMC clarifies that children aren’t banned from the internet and social media platforms are given time to implement age verification systems fitting their timelines. While these changes take place, parents are encouraged to still actively monitor their children’s online activities.
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READ MORE: If We Don’t Teach Teens To Navigate The Internet, Who Will?
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