Malaysia is no longer debating whether children under 16 should be restricted from using social media. The conversation has clearly shifted to when and how it will happen. Based on recent statements from the government, the timeline is now becoming clearer, with mid-2026 shaping up as the key turning point.

Mid-2026 Target for Platform Cooperation

According to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, the government expects to secure full cooperation from social media platforms by the middle of 2026. The goal is straightforward: ensure that only users aged 16 and above are able to access social media services in Malaysia.

Rather than rushing into blanket enforcement, the approach appears to focus on working directly with platform operators. This means age verification systems, stronger safeguards, and clearer accountability for how younger users are protected online.

MCMC in Talks With Social Media Companies

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is currently leading discussions with major social media companies to figure out how these restrictions will be implemented in practice. These talks revolve around age-appropriate safety mechanisms, content filtering, and compliance with local laws.

The emphasis is not just on restricting access, but on ensuring that platforms actively design their systems with child safety in mind, rather than treating it as an afterthought.

Enforcement Will Not Be Optional

The government has made it clear that compliance will not be voluntary. Platforms that fail to meet the requirements of the Malaysia Online Safety Act could face regulatory or legal action.

As an example, Fahmi pointed to Grok, which has already been blocked locally. The MCMC is also reportedly considering legal action against X, citing concerns over how certain features were rolled out without sufficient safeguards.

This signals a tougher stance moving forward, especially for platforms that are slow to adapt or dismiss local regulatory expectations.

New Laws Focused on Child Protection

Beyond platform-level enforcement, the government is also strengthening the legal framework itself. The MCMC is in the process of developing 10 subsidiary legislations under the Online Safety Act 2025. These additional rules are expected to focus heavily on child protection, including stricter requirements for age-appropriate content and safer online environments for younger users.

In effect, this means social media companies will not only need to block under-16 users, but also rethink how content is presented, moderated, and accessed within Malaysia.

What This Means Going Forward

If everything proceeds as planned, mid-2026 could mark a significant shift in how young Malaysians interact with social media. For parents, it may offer stronger safeguards. For platforms, it means adapting to stricter local regulations. And for regulators, it represents a more assertive role in shaping the digital space.

While the exact implementation details are still being worked out, one thing is clear: Malaysia is taking online child safety seriously, and social media companies operating here will need to follow suit.