In a significant move to protect the younger generation from online dangers, Malaysia’s Communications Minister, Fahmi Fadzil, announced on Sunday that the cabinet has given the green light to a policy aimed at safeguarding minors from threats such as cyberbullying, scams, and sexual exploitation.

Fahmi emphasized the importance of drawing lessons from international experiences, citing Australia as a reference point. The government is exploring methods like electronic verification through identity cards or passports to ensure accurate age verification for online users. However, the timeline for when this new regulation will take effect remains unspecified.

“By fostering collaboration between the government, regulatory authorities, and parents, we can strive to make the Internet in Malaysia not just rapid, accessible, and affordable, but crucially, a secure environment for children and families,” Fahmi stated.

From January onwards, any major social media and messaging service with a user base exceeding 8 million in Malaysia must secure a license, reflecting the government’s intensified regulation of digital platforms.

These licensed entities are now obligated to enforce age verification, implement measures to ensure content safety, and abide by transparency guidelines, all part of Malaysia’s commitment to creating a safer online environment.

Australia’s parliament enacted the world’s first ban on social media for children that will begin December 10, setting the minimum age at 16.

Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube as well as message board Reddit and livestreaming service Kick face fines of up to $50 million for systemic failures to prevent children younger than 16 from holding accounts.

Australia’s move is being closely watched by countries that share concerns about social media impacts on young children.

Denmark’s government also announced earlier this month plans to ban access to social media for anyone under 15, though details on how the measures would be enforced remain unclear.

Norway is also moving forward with a proposed law that would set a minimum age limit of 15 for accessing social media platforms.