Instagram, TikTok BANNED: After Australia, Malaysia has started the process of banning millions of children from using social media accounts. The new rule prohibits children under 16 from opening social media accounts and requires platforms to verify users’ ages. This will affect prominent social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube in the country, making it mandatory for them to put in place age-verification systems and prevent minors from creating new accounts.
Malaysia Bans Social Media Accounts For Teens
Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Commission said existing users found to be younger than the mentioned year will be given one month to save their content (photos, videos) before their accounts are blocked. Notably, the verification process will be introduced in the coming six months.
Notably, the verification process will be introduced in the coming six months.
Malaysia’s New Restrictions
According to authorities, this move is going to reduce minor children’s exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying. It will also restrict screen time of the minors. They clarified that that new policy is not designed to restrict children from using digital technology but to safeguard them from harmful material.
Malaysia To Fine Social Media Platforms If…
Companies that do not follow the policy or fail to meet the requirements could be fined up to USD 2.5 million. However, the Malaysian government would not penalise parents if their children are able to get around the restrictions.
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More Countries Move to Restrict Children’s Social Media Access
The latest measures have put Malaysia alongside countries that have implemented age-related controls for children’s use of social media. Countries like – Australia, Brazil and Indonesia have already banned the social media platforms.
While Britain, France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand and South Korea are planning to implement similar rules.
Meta Warns Ban Could Push Teens to Less-Regulated Platforms
Tech companies have not revealed how they are going to comply with the decision. According to Clara Koh, Meta’s director of public policy for Southeast Asia, barring minor kids from social media could have opposite effect on them and could expose them to less regulated online spaces.
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