Malaysia began enforcing a ban on social media accounts for users under 16, requiring platforms with 8 million+ users to verify age and block sign‑ups. Non‑compliant firms face fines up to 10 million ringgit. Platforms include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Parents are not penalized, and officials say the move curbs harmful content and addictive design.

The Communications and Multimedia Commission stresses the rule does not block internet access but forces providers to embed safety‑by‑design controls, such as limits on manipulative UI and rapid removal of underage accounts. Nations like Australia, Brazil and Indonesia have enacted similar caps, while Britain and France study comparable schemes. Meta warned the blanket ban could push teens toward unregulated apps.

Enforcement starts with a grace period for platforms to deploy verification tools, after which violations trigger the 10 million ringgit penalty. Critics argue that requiring government IDs raises privacy alarms and that the lack of parental liability creates a loophole. Regulators will monitor compliance and may tighten measures if underage usage persists.

Tech firms must now integrate robust age‑verification APIs or partner with third‑party services, reshaping onboarding flows across millions of accounts. Developers will need to audit data‑handling practices to protect ID information and adapt UI to block under‑16 sign‑ups. Failure to redesign will expose companies to the steep fine.