Malaysia tightens rules for minors' access to social networks
New rules restricting minors' access to social networks have taken effect in Malaysia.
Under the adopted regulation, users under 16 will no longer be able to create accounts on major digital platforms. The country has thus joined the ranks of states strengthening measures to protect children in the online space.
The new requirements apply to social networks and internet platforms whose audience exceeds 8 million users. These include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Owners of such services are required to implement mechanisms for verifying users' age and to prevent registration by individuals who have not reached the established age threshold.
As reported by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, the age verification process for already registered users will be carried out in stages and will be completed within the next six months.
Users who are found to be under 16 during the verification process will be given one month to save, transfer, or download their data, including photos, video materials, and other content. After this period expires, platforms will be able to apply the restrictions provided by law, including blocking or suspending accounts.
Companies that fail to comply with the new requirements face fines of up to 10 million Malaysian ringgits, equivalent to approximately 2.5 million U.S. dollars. At the same time, no liability is provided by law for parents in cases where children manage to circumvent the established restrictions.
Authorities in the country note that the main goal of the innovations is to protect minors from potentially harmful content, cyberbullying, and algorithms that encourage excessive use of social networks.
Malaysia is not the only country taking such steps. Age restrictions or special requirements for children's access to social networks have previously been introduced or announced in Australia, Brazil, and Indonesia. In addition, the possibility of tightening regulation in this area is currently being considered in the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand, and South Korea.
Source: NBC
