Malaysia plans to ban social media from users under 16 years old, starting next year.
The country is on a list of countries that have chosen to limit access to digital platforms due to concerns about children's safety.
Mr. Fahmi Fadzil, Malaysia's Minister of Communications, said on November 23 that the government is reviewing the mechanisms used by Australia and other countries to impose age limits on social media use. He cited the need to protect young people from online harms such as online bullying, financial fraud and child abuse.
"We hope that by next year, social media platforms will comply with the government's decision to ban people under 16 from opening user accounts," he told reporters.
The impact of social networks on children's health and safety has become a growing global concern. Companies including TikTok, Snapchat, Google and Meta Platforms - the operator of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp - are facing lawsuits in the US for their role in promoting the mental health crisis.
Australia is preparing to unblock registered accounts for users under 16 years old next month, according to a ban on adolescents that is being closely monitored by regulators around the world.
France, Spain, Italy, Denmark and Greece are also testing an age verification application model together.
