Technology

Malaysian govt bans social media for children under 16

Published by
Staff Reporter

KUALA LAMPUR: The government of Malaysia announced that starting next year, in 2026, individuals below the age of 16 will not be allowed to set up social media accounts.

Media reports cite the Communications Minister, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, as saying that individuals below 16 years of age will not be allowed to open new social media accounts starting next year.

He said that an e-KYC system will be implemented on all platforms, which means age verification must be carried out when registering using identification documents such as MyKad, passport, or digital ID.

The cabinet is making this decision because the harmful content, cyberbullying, and other dangerous situations for young children on online platforms keep increasing.

According to Fahmi Fadzil, this measure comes under the Online Safety Act, which will go into effect on 1 January 2026. Some experts say that this restriction is a “necessary step” in trying to protect children from harmful online influences.

Staff Reporter

Recent Posts

How much tax will be deducted from salary from July 1? New slabs introduced

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has introduced new income tax slabs for government employees and salaried…

52 minutes ago

New instructions issued for pilgrims going to Iraq for pilgrimage

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued new instructions for Pakistani pilgrims going to…

1 hour ago

Smartphone prices likely to drop by up to Rs 16,000

ISLAMABAD: The prices of various smartphones in the country are likely to drop by Rs…

1 hour ago

Court orders restoration of PTI’s election symbol Bat

MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Kashmir High Court has ordered the restoration of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) election…

2 hours ago

Iranian Rial Latest Rate in Pakistan – June 24, 2026

KARACHI: The Iranian Rial continues to face significant challenges internationally due to sanctions and economic conditions. It…

2 hours ago

Latest Gold Rate in Pakistan – June 24, 2026

KARACHI: The price of gold in Pakistan has decreased by more than Rs 10,000, according…

2 hours ago