Delay Highlights Urgent Need Amid Rising Digital Risks
By Dr Mohd Safar Hasim
On 10 December 2025, Australia made global headlines by enforcing the world’s first nationwide ban on social media for users under 16.
Under amendments to its Online Safety Act, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, Threads, Twitch, and Kick must block underage accounts or face fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$32 million).
Malaysia, recognising similar risks, has announced plans to implement a comparable law under its forthcoming Online Safety Act, expected to take effect in 2026. This will mark the country’s first attempt to regulate social media access for minors — a move that cannot come soon enough.
Australia’s Bold Step
Australia’s ban was driven by alarming evidence linking social media use among minors to mental health issues, cyberbullying, grooming, and exposure to harmful content.
Research shows that four out of five children aged 8–16 use social media, often starting as early as 10.
Key features of the law include:
* Responsibility on platforms, not parents or children.
* Mandatory age verification, using ID checks, biometric scans, and AI-based age estimation.
* Exemptions for messaging apps like WhatsApp and educational platforms.
* Enforcement by the eSafety Commissioner, who will audit compliance and publish reports.
Critics argue the law raises privacy concerns and may push teens to unregulated platforms. Yet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese insists the ban sets a clear national standard—much like underage drinking laws — despite inevitable imperfections.
Malaysia’s Legal Gap
Here’s the reality: Malaysia currently has no law specifically banning social media use for minors.
Existing frameworks, such as the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, focus on content regulation and cybercrime but do not impose age-based restrictions.
This means:
* Platforms are not legally obliged to verify age or block underage accounts.
* Enforcement is limited to reactive measures like removing harmful content.
* Parents and guardians bear most of the responsibility for monitoring children’s online
activity.
The upcoming Online Safety Act, slated for 2026, promises to change this. It will introduce age restrictions and require platforms to implement electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) verification using MyKad, MyDigital ID, or passports. Until then, Malaysia remains without a dedicated statute.
Why Malaysia Should Emulate Australia
Malaysia faces similar challenges. Cyberbullying, online sexual exploitation, and exposure to harmful content are rising among Malaysian youths. A 2023 UNICEF report found that 4% of Malaysian internet users aged 12–17 experienced online sexual exploitation, while surveys indicate that three in 10 teenagers have been victims of cyberbullying.
Emulating Australia’s approach offers three key benefits:
1. Child Protection: Delaying access reduces exposure to addictive algorithms and harmful content during formative years.
2. Global Alignment: Countries like France, Spain, Denmark, and New Zealand are considering similar bans. Malaysia’s move would position it as a regional leader in online safety.
3. Public Support: Surveys show strong backing for stricter age limits. An Ipsos Malaysia poll revealed 72% of respondents favour restricting social media for children.
Why Malaysia Is Taking Its Time
Malaysia’s cautious approach reflects practical and policy considerations:
* Legislative Complexity: The proposed ban will be enforced under the Online Safety Act 2025, supported by 10 subsidiary laws currently being drafted. These will cover age verification, parental controls, and platform accountability.
* Technical Challenges: Implementing robust age verification requires integration with national ID databases and cooperation from global tech giants.
& Stakeholder Engagement: The government is consulting tech companies, educators, child- safety groups, and policy experts to design a workable framework.
* Enforcement Readiness: Platforms with more than eight million users in Malaysia are already required to obtain licences under regulations introduced in January 2025. Aligning these requirements with age restrictions is critical.
* Cultural and Social Considerations: Malaysia’s digital ecosystem is deeply embedded in
education and commerce. A sudden ban could disrupt learning and communication, so alternative safe channels and digital literacy programmes must be in place.
The Bottom Line
Australia’s bold move signals a global shift toward protecting children from online harms, and Malaysia is right to follow suit. But the absence of a dedicated law today underscores the urgency for legislative action. The delay until 2026 reflects a pragmatic approach — building legal, technical, and social infrastructure to ensure the ban is effective and fair.
Ultimately, this is not just about restricting access; it’s about redefining digital childhood and creating an online environment where safety is not optional but guaranteed.
The views expressed here are those of Dr Mohd Safar Hasim, a Council Member of the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI)
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