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Social Media Ban: Taking a significant step toward ensuring children’s online safety, Malaysia has prohibited children under the age of 16 from creating social media accounts. Following this decision, a global debate has intensified once again regarding whether strict regulations are necessary to protect children from the inherent risks associated with social media. The question now arises: could India potentially take a similar step in the future?

Children Under 16 Will Not Be Able to Create Social Media Accounts

According to media reports, a new regulation came into effect in Malaysia on June 1st, under which children under the age of 16 will be barred from creating new accounts on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. This decision was made pursuant to the country’s online safety laws, which aim to safeguard children from the various risks present on the internet.

This regulation applies to social media platforms that have a user base exceeding 8 million within the country. As per the new legislation, companies are required to verify the age of any prospective user before granting them permission to create an account.

Age Verification to be Conducted Using ID Cards and Passports

Social media companies must now utilize government-issued documents to verify the ages of their users. Through the use of national identity cards, passports, or other valid government-issued documents, it will be ensured that the individual creating the account is 16 years of age or older.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has explicitly clarified that individuals under the age of 16 will not be permitted to register on social media platforms.

Existing Users Also Required to Undergo Verification

The requirement for age verification applies not only to new users but also to existing account holders, who must verify their age within the next six months. The government has allotted a limited timeframe to social media companies for the implementation of this new regulatory framework.

Strict Measures Also to be Imposed on Harmful Content

The new regulations are not limited solely to age restrictions. Social media platforms will now be required to take stricter action against harmful and misleading content. Companies have been entrusted with the responsibility of developing improved reporting systems, verifying the identities of advertisers, and—when necessary—clearly labeling content that has been edited or manipulated.

Heavy Fines for Non-Compliance

If a social media company fails to comply with these regulations, it could face a fine of up to 10 million Malaysian Ringgit. In Indian currency, this amount is equivalent to crores of rupees. Through this measure, the government aims to compel companies to prioritize the safety and protection of children.

Many Nations Adopt a Strict Stance

Malaysia is not the first country to take such a step. Australia has already implemented strict regulations regarding social media usage by children under the age of 16. Similarly, Indonesia has imposed restrictions on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram for children under the age of 16. Furthermore, countries like Turkey, France, Spain, Greece, Denmark, and Norway are also moving towards establishing stricter regulations concerning the online safety of children.

Could Similar Regulations Be Implemented in India?

In India, millions of children and adolescents use social media on a daily basis. Although the government has implemented various regulations related to digital security and data protection in recent years, there is currently no national-level ban on social media access for children under the age of 16.

Nevertheless, amidst growing concerns regarding cyberbullying, online fraud, misinformation, and the psychological impact of social media on children, this issue remains a constant subject of discussion. Consequently, the measures being adopted by various nations across the globe could spark a new debate within India, potentially leading to intensified demands for stricter regulations concerning children’s online safety in the near future.