tags - Sinar Daily

Photo for illustration purposes only. - CANVA

Through the Online Safety Act (ONSA) 2025 and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) new licensing framework, the government is attempting to build a legislative fortress.

Meta has urged Malaysia to avoid imposing a blanket ban on social media for users under 16, cautioning that such restrictions could unintentionally expose young people to greater online risks. Photo: Canva

The government’s recent proposal to set a minimum age of 16 for social media use has drawn widespread public attention, prompting debate from multiple angles - responsibility, safety, present realities and the future of the younger generation.

Critics of age-based bans warn that they may be technically challenging to enforce, could push teenagers toward virtual private networks (VPNs) or less-regulated platforms, and raise new privacy concerns due to the need to collect and store sensitive identity data. - Photo illustrated via Canva

Join the LIVE session this Wednesday at 2pm on Sinar Daily's TikTok @sinardailymy for the #ThinkTwice Podcast “Dear Parents: How to Raise Digital Natives Responsibly”.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (fourth from left) launches the National Children’s Policy and Action Plan at the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 Asean ICT Forum on Child Online Protection held at Hilton Kuala Lumpur today. Photo by Bernama Also present were Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (third from left) and UNICEF Representative to Malaysia, Robert Gass (second from right).

The rapid advancement of the telecommunications industry, proliferation of smart and mobile devices and expansion of Internet access have made social connectivity possible anytime and anywhere. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Canva

Social media platforms may be unintentionally fuelling bullying by repeatedly feeding young users harmful and violent content. - CANVA