Malaysia Bans Under-16 Social Media Accounts

Malaysia just slapped a new rule on social media: kids under 16 can’t sign up on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube—unless those sites have over 8 million users. Platforms must now build in age checks and block underage accounts, aiming to shield kids from cyberbullying and addictive design. This move joins Australia and Brazil in pushing for “safety-by-design,” forcing companies to prioritize safety from the start. While parents won’t face penalties if their kids slip through, platforms risk up to 10 million ringgit (about $2.5 million) for non-compliance. But critics question effectiveness—will kids just go underground or get accounts via parents? Tech firms have a grace period to comply, but balancing safety, privacy, and access remains a tough challenge. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/b4e9c04f03d0e5ad