The Malaysian government has announced plans to introduce a blanket social media ban for children under 16.
Responding to this move, Kiran Kaur, Amnesty International Malaysia’s freedom of expression campaigner, said: “A blanket ban is not the answer to legitimate concerns about the harmful effects of social media on children and young people.
“This issue demands a more nuanced approach, including the targeted regulation of online platforms to protect children’s privacy and personal data while prioritising their human rights.
The government should implement safeguards against algorithm-driven amplification of harmful content and default profiling, rather than restricting young people’s ability to connect with others and seek information, she said.
“It is critical that policy responses towards this consider the benefits social media use can offer children, including the role of platforms in promoting their rights to expression and access to information.
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“Instead of a total ban, approaches that do not fully restrict children’s access to social media must be sought – recognising these platforms as mediums for young people’s learning and communication if used safely and regulated properly,” she added.
“The responsibility to intercept how algorithms and tailored customisation is harming children lies with social media platforms and government regulators. The focus should be on how digital spaces are not safe-by-design rather than shutting out young people completely.”
Background
On 23 November, the Malaysian government announced plans to introduce a blanket ban on social media use for all children under 16 under the new Online Safety Act 2025, which will be enforced next year.
The government is considering using the electronic know-your-customer process to verify the ages of online platform users.
The mechanisms involved and the implementation oversight of the ban are still being reviewed, but will involve regulatory bodies.
If implemented, the process will require users to submit government-issued documents, including the MyKad, passports or MyDigital ID to facilitate age verification.
Over the last year, the government passed several laws to regulate online content that civil society criticised as regressive towards freedom of expression, including the Communications and Multimedia (Amendment) Act 2025, new requirements for social media licensing, and the Online Safety Act 2025. – Amnesty
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