Sharp, essential news and analysis from Malaysia.
Malaysia's Communications Ministry confirms enforcement of a 16-year minimum age requirement for social media users under the Child Protection Code, which came into effect in June 2026. Official document verification is mandatory.
TikTok has agreed to settle three lawsuits brought by teenagers claiming the platform was deliberately designed to be addictive and damaged their mental health. The confidential settlements occur before scheduled trial proceedings.
Philippine authorities are examining Australia's social media ban for minors as a potential solution to combat online radicalisation and prevent school violence, following a deadly shooting in Tacloban City that killed three students.
Malaysia's Communications Minister reports social media activity during Negeri Sembilan's state election campaign remains largely orderly, with only 16 complaints lodged. The final campaign week is expected to see increased online activity.
The UK government has announced plans for a default midnight-to-6am curfew on social media for teenagers aged 16-17, building on earlier proposals to ban under-16s entirely from platforms.
A UK government-commissioned trial of 309 households found teenagers aged 13-17 reported improved sleep, concentration and wellbeing under social media restrictions, though enforcing rules proved challenging.
Japan's parliament has endorsed fresh social media regulations targeting election-related misinformation, effective March 2027. The rules prohibit false content about candidates but notably exclude enforcement mechanisms that comparable EU legislation includes.
Malaysia's Communications Minister has called for social media platforms to intensify efforts against election-related misinformation, particularly on polling day for the Johor state election.
TikTok has agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by a minor claiming the platform damaged his mental health. The agreement comes as a second major trial over social media's impact on youth wellbeing prepares to proceed in California courts.
A US federal judge has rejected Meta's attempt to dismiss a lawsuit filed by dozens of state attorneys general, who accuse the company of deliberately engineering Facebook and Instagram to be addictive to children.
Australia is tightening enforcement of its pioneering ban on social media for under-16s, raising maximum penalties to A$99mil and granting its online safety watchdog expanded investigative powers as evidence suggests widespread non-compliance.
TikTok and YouTube have deactivated approximately 4.7 million accounts of Indonesian children under 16 as the government's social media restrictions begin taking effect, the communications minister announced.