From January 1, 2026, Malaysians below 16 will be barred from opening social media accounts unless age is verified via eKYC. The move, backed by new legislation and government-platform engagement, aims to shield young users from online harms while reshaping how the country regulates its digital spaces.
Malaysia is moving toward one of its most significant digital safety shifts in recent years. Beginning in 2026, children under 16 will no longer be allowed to create social media accounts, a decision the government says is intended to give young users stronger protection from online harm. The change aligns with the rollout of the Online Safety Act, which comes into force on January 1, 2026, and introduces new rules for how tech platforms operate in the country.
A key part of this effort is the requirement for platforms to implement electronic know-your-customer, or eKYC, identity checks. Instead of relying on simple self-declaration, new user registrations will need to be verified using official documents such as MyKad, passports, or MyDigital ID. Authorities expect all major social media companies to adopt the system by next year, and discussions between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and platform providers have already begun.
The minimum age for social media access has been debated for years, but the decision to set the threshold at 16 was finalised after a Cabinet meeting in late 2025. Previously, the proposed age limit was 13. Officials say the adjustment reflects rising global concern over children’s exposure to scams, harmful content, and manipulative platform design. Countries such as Australia have advanced similar age restrictions, and Malaysia has signalled that it will continue watching international developments closely.
The government has emphasised that the goal is not to shut young people out of the digital space entirely, but to ensure they engage with it safely and at an age where they can better navigate online risks. While the new verification system will form the backbone of enforcement, parents have also been urged to stay engaged. Encouraging outdoor activities, setting limits on screen time, and supervising device use remain important measures, particularly as digital habits form early.
Beyond the age restrictions, Malaysia is also strengthening oversight of large platforms operating in the country. Services with more than eight million local users will be required to hold a Class Licence, obliging them to comply with local regulations on issues such as cyberbullying, child safety, and scam prevention. The broader aim is to create a more accountable online environment and to make sure platforms take responsibility for the experiences they create for their youngest users.
As the transition unfolds, questions remain about how well eKYC systems will handle privacy concerns and whether the new rules will reduce the risks children face online. Still, the government views the move as a necessary recalibration of how young Malaysians engage with the digital world. With legislation in place and industry consultations underway, the country is preparing for a more structured approach to online safety from 2026 onward.
Sources: Malay Mail; The Star; MalaysiaKini; MCMC press release; The Straits Times
