Malaysia started enforcing social media restrictions for users under 16 on June 1, 2026, aiming to bolster online safety for young people [1, 2, 3]. Platforms with 8 million or more users, including Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube, must implement age verification systems and prevent underage account creation [1, 2, 3].
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) views the regulations as a way to increase accountability among social media companies. MCMC deputy director Eneng Faridah Iskandar said, "Anyone who provides a product for consumption in the open market has to ensure that the product is safe and secure for use. People who provide online content have to be aware in terms of who is accessing their platforms" [1].
MCMC has observed evidence of children being harmed and abused through social media, a problem found globally, not just in Malaysia [1, 2, 3]. However, the regulator stressed it is not seeking to punish social media companies but to collaborate and hold them to higher standards. Iskandar stated, "We are not portraying platforms to be the enemy. We want to work with them and hold them to a higher level of accountability and responsibility" [2].
The new rules apply to platforms meeting the 8 million user threshold to ensure they take responsibility for protecting vulnerable groups, especially children under 16 [1, 3]. The enforcement began on June 1 and includes mandatory age verification steps to prevent underage access [1, 2, 3].
The government will continue monitoring the effectiveness of these measures as social media companies adjust to the new requirements.
