Malaysia’s Proposed Social Media Ban for Children: How It Compares with Australia and Singapore

Malaysia plans to ban children under 16 (“Under-16s”) from having social media accounts beginning in 2026. The proposal, part of a wider Online Safety Act expected to start on 1 January 2026, foreshadows the implementation of electronic know‑your‑customer (“eKYC”) checks with official IDs. Malaysia is studying overseas models, especially Australia’s regime starting in December 2025, and wants platforms ready for eKYC in 2026….
By: Mayer Brown