Teo: Social Media Use Limited to Age 16 and Above Starting July

 Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching announces the upcoming enforcement of a minimum age requirement for social media users.

KUALA LUMPUR : Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching confirmed that a minimum age limit of 16 years for registering and using social media platforms is expected to be enforced starting July 2026.

Teo said the move aims to protect young people from exposure to inappropriate content and to ensure a safer online experience.

“Children and teenagers are vulnerable to harmful content, scams, and online safety risks. By setting this age limit, we hope to better monitor and manage their social media experience,” she said at a press conference in Putrajaya today.

She explained that the ministry is working closely with local and international tech companies and social media platforms to ensure smooth implementation. Age verification systems are expected to be introduced to ensure users meet the minimum age requirement.

Teo also emphasized the importance of digital literacy and cyber education among youths, noting that the ministry plans to conduct awareness programs for parents and teachers to better supervise children’s social media usage.

The initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen national digital safety and reduce the risk of social media misuse among underage users.