SEREMBAN, July 22 — Malaysia will continue regulating children’s access to social media instead of introducing a complete ban, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said.
He explained that the government’s approach is supported by two codes of practice under the Online Safety Act—the Child Protection Code and the Risk Mitigation Code. These rules require social media platforms to restrict account access for users below the age of 16. Both codes came into effect on June 1.
Under the current policy, children aged 15 and below are not permitted to open social media accounts. Fahmi said the framework provides the government with a sufficient basis to protect minors from online harm without completely banning social media use.
His remarks came in response to France’s move to approve legislation preventing children under 15 from using social media. Australia has also introduced restrictions for users under 16, while the United Kingdom is expected to enforce similar measures next year.
Fahmi added that social media companies are currently working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to implement the new requirements. The platforms have requested additional time to fully meet the conditions set by the government.
He stressed that authorities have the power to act against platforms that fail to enforce the minimum age requirement. The government’s main objective, he said, is not to prohibit social media entirely, but to ensure that digital platforms are regulated more effectively and that children face fewer online risks.
