Malaysia has announced plans to prohibit individuals under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms starting in 2026, aligning itself with global efforts to impose stricter digital age restrictions for minors. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil revealed that the Cabinet has approved this initiative as part of a comprehensive strategy to protect young people from online risks such as cyberbullying, scams, and sexual exploitation. The government is currently examining age verification methods, including the potential use of electronic checks linked to identity cards or passports, though the exact enforcement timeline remains unspecified. Fadzil emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, regulatory bodies, and parents to ensure a safe digital environment for children and families. This move follows Malaysia’s recent mandate requiring major social media platforms with over 8 million users to obtain licenses and implement age verification and content-safety measures. Australia, which recently enacted the world’s first social media ban for children under 16, has set a precedent for such measures, with other countries like Denmark and Norway also exploring similar restrictions. The global trend reflects growing concerns about the adverse effects of social media on young users.