Malaysia has introduced new measures aimed at protecting children online. Effective June 1, social media platforms and digital services are required to implement mechanisms that prevent individuals under the age of 16 from registering for and using accounts.
Under the new requirements, technology companies and digital platforms operating in the country must introduce control measures and reliable age verification systems. Modern identity verification tools will be used to ensure that children below the established age cannot create accounts.
The primary objective of these changes is to enhance children's online safety. The new measures are designed to reduce risks associated with cyber threats, online fraud, exposure to harmful content, and other dangers that minors may encounter in the digital environment.
Similar restrictions have already been adopted or are being introduced in other countries. In Australia, social media use is banned for individuals under the age of 16. In France, parental consent is required for users under 15. In Portugal, children under 13 are prohibited from using social media, while teenagers aged 13–16 must obtain parental consent. In Gabon, users under 16 may register only with the consent of their parents or guardians, and their age must be verified with official documents. In Italy, parental consent is required for users under the age of 14.
A similar approach is currently being discussed in Kazakhstan. The Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan has proposed amendments that would prohibit children under 16 from registering on online platforms without the consent of their parents or legal guardians.
The term online platforms refers to websites, applications, and services where users create accounts and publish text, photos, or videos. The proposed amendments also provide exceptions: the restrictions will not apply to messaging applications, as well as banking applications, microfinance organization services, and online stores.
Sources:
Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan
