Malaysia: Mandatory age verification undermines privacy and free expression

UK — Civil Society · 2026-05-29 · UK · verified record

Themes: Child safety & minors · Online platforms · Search services

Ecosystems: UK Online Safety Act

ARTICLE 19, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) and Sinar Project stress that the blanket social media ban for under-16s, which comes into force in Malaysia on 1 June 2026, is being rushed through without a thorough process and a careful, in-depth, evidence-based assessment. The move, which includes age verification confirmed through government-issued documents, is misguided and disproportionate, and it will undermine the privacy and freedom of expression of all social media users, both adults and children. We urge the government to pause, withdraw the blanket ban on social media for c

ARTICLE 19, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) and Sinar Project stress that the blanket social media ban for under-16s, which comes into force in Malaysia on 1 June 2026, is being rushed through without a thorough process and a careful, in-depth, evidence-based assessment. The move, which

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