News & Reviews:   under 16

Malaysia is planning to introduce a minimum age requirement of 16 for social media use, with enforcement expected in the second half of 2026. The proposal highlights a growing push to improve online safety, especially for younger users.

The Indonesian government has summoned Google and Meta for allegedly failing to comply with a social media ban on under-16s that went into effect last weekend. Communications Minister Meutya Hafid said official notices had been sent to both companies.

One of the biggest news stories to kick off this week was the Malaysian government's decision to ban Malaysian teens under 16 from creating social media accounts. That being said, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching also confirmed that parents will not be penalised if their children under 16 create or use social media accounts.

We have reported on this news before, but it seems that the possibility has turned into reality. The Malaysian government has announced a target of 2026 for rolling out a ban that will prevent children aged under 16 from creating social media accounts.