Social media platforms will then be required to implement electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) procedure to verify user age.
The Southeast Asian nation will closely watch a similar ban that comes into effect in Australia on December 10, according to Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Last year, it mandated social media and messaging apps with more than 8 million users to obtain licence from the government in an effort to address cyberbullying, online scams, and sexual harassment.
“Other countries may have their own approaches and we will study them,” local media The Star quoted Fadzil as saying on Sunday, November 23.
Meanwhile, the minister encouraged parents to engage children in more outdoor activities and reduce screen time.
In Australia, one-fifth of its population will be off social media and tech giants have begun prompting users to verify their age and download existing data on their social media platforms.
The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 outlines that any non-compliance from tech platforms will be met with a fine of up to $31.95 million.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier said the law is “about letting kids be kids.”
“It’s also about empowering parents to be able to have those discussions with their children,” he added. The ban applies to a host of social media platforms including YouTube, X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, Twitch, Snapchat, and Kick.
Other countries like Denmark and Norway are also aiming to limit access to social media platforms for those below 15 years of age.
Also Read: Australia to ban social media for children under 16 from December 10
