Kuala lumpur: Malaysian Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil announced that Malaysia will continue with its regulatory approach to children's social media use, rather than imposing a total ban, despite several countries moving to restrict access for minors.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the approach is supported by two codes of practice under the Online Safety Act: the Child Protection Code and the Risk Mitigation Code. These codes require social media platforms to limit access for users under the age of 16. The implementation of these codes, effective from June 1, provides a framework for the government to protect children from online risks without enforcing a complete ban.

Fahmi explained that the codes prevent those under 16 from opening accounts. He made these comments after joining Pakatan Harapan candidate Nor Azman Mohamad on the campaign trail at the Seremban City Council food stalls near Stadium Paroi. This comes in response to France's recent move to pass a bill prohibiting social media use for children under 15, a first in the European Union, which awaits final approval.

Australia spearheaded similar measures last year, becoming the first country to ban social media for individuals under 16. The United Kingdom has also announced plans for similar restrictions to take effect next year. Fahmi noted that social media platforms are collaborating with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to implement the codes and have requested additional time for compliance.

He emphasized that the government holds the authority to take action against platforms failing to enforce the age restriction. "The law allows us to take action if platforms fail to implement the minimum age requirement of 16," Fahmi stated. The government's focus remains on regulating digital platforms to mitigate online harm rather than banning social media use altogether.