Home / Technology / Malaysia to Ban Kids Under 16 From Social Media
Malaysia to Ban Kids Under 16 From Social Media
24 Nov
Summary
- Malaysia plans to block children under 16 from social media next year.
- Platforms may use eKYC for age verification with government IDs.
- Malaysia follows Australia and Denmark in considering such a ban.
Malaysia is poised to prohibit individuals under 16 from accessing social media platforms beginning next year. The government is exploring age verification measures, potentially requiring platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok to implement electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) systems. This would involve using government-issued identification and biometric data to confirm users' ages, a strategy mirroring Australia's upcoming regulations.
The proposed ban comes amid growing concerns regarding the detrimental effects of social media on younger demographics. Malaysia's initiative places it alongside countries like Australia and Denmark as early adopters of such stringent measures. The specifics of implementation and enforcement are still being determined, but the intent is clear: to create a safer online environment for children.
This policy shift intensifies scrutiny on social media's role in society, particularly following recent incidents in Malaysia that have been linked to online activity. The government's previous statements indicate a broader effort to regulate online platforms, aiming to combat issues such as cyberbullying, scams, and child exploitation by requiring operational licenses.
