Malaysia to enforce social media age verification starting 1 June 2026

In case you missed the news over the weekend, Malaysia is set to introduce stricter online safety measures beginning 1 June, requiring social media users to verify their age using official government-issued documents. The move comes under new regulations introduced through the Online Safety Act 2025 by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

According to Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, users may need to upload identification such as MyKad, passports, or other official documents to confirm their age before accessing certain social media platforms. The new system is aimed at preventing children under the age of 16 from opening accounts on major social media services.

New Codes Under The Online Safety Act

The enforcement is tied to two newly introduced frameworks under the Online Safety Act, known as the Children’s Protection Code (CPC) and the Risk Mitigation Code (RMC). These guidelines are designed to strengthen child safety online and push social media companies to take greater responsibility for harmful content and underage users.

Authorities say simple self-declared birth dates are no longer sufficient because users can easily falsify their age during registration. Instead, platforms are now expected to implement more robust age verification systems.

The MCMC reportedly plans to give social media platforms a grace period to roll out verification systems for existing users. Accounts that fail to complete age verification within the given timeframe could potentially face restrictions or even closure. The government has not mandated a specific verification technology, allowing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok flexibility in how they implement compliance measures.

Part Of A Growing Global Trend

Malaysia joins a growing list of countries tightening regulations around youth access to social media. Governments worldwide are increasingly introducing stricter digital safety laws amid concerns surrounding cyberbullying, online predators, harmful content, and mental health impacts on minors.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil previously stated that the policy is intended to better protect minors from online harms and unsafe digital environments. For many Malaysians, the upcoming changes could mark one of the country’s biggest shifts yet in how social media platforms manage user identity, privacy, and online safety.

We are just a week away from the implementation. Until then, stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.