Experts push tech safeguards over blanket ban
PETALING JAYA: The proposed ban on social media use for those aged below 16 is not a silver bullet against online harm, as it could push children into more dangerous digital spaces, experts say.
Unicef Malaysia’s chief of child protection, Saskia Blume, said that while it is apt for governments to act on growing online risks, regulators and technology companies must move beyond bans.
“Digital spaces, including social media, are not only sources of risk but also places where many children learn, play, express themselves and stay connected, particularly those who feel isolated.
“Bans are not a cure-all for complex online harms.
“They risk cutting children off from important sources of information and support, which may push them into more covert and less safe spaces,” she said.
Blume suggested that Malaysia could strike a right balance by adopting a child rights-based approach.
Besides investing in digital literacy, she said such an approach would involve designing platforms with safety in mind, strengthening accountability and supporting parents and caregivers.
“Effective protection means reducing harm while still enabling children to access information, build skills, connect with others and express themselves in age-appropriate and safe ways,” she added.
Cybersecurity Research Centre (Cyres) director Prof Dr Selvakumar Manickam said that while age-based bans may reduce casual access, they are not a complete solution.
He added that those affected may find ways to bypass age restrictions by entering false birth dates, using shared accounts, or migrating to alternative platforms.
“Banning children from moderated platforms such as TikTok or Instagram does not eliminate their desire for digital connection but redirects it,” he said.
He cautioned that a large number of children may migrate to less regulated or fringe platforms or to encrypted messaging applications where oversight is minimal.
Such platforms, he said, would also lack AI-based grooming detection and reporting mechanisms.
Selvakumar said that “teen accounts”, with restricted visibility, supervision and built-in safety measures, could serve as an alternative to a total ban.
International Islamic University Malaysia’s cybersecurity expert Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Ridza Wahiddin said age-based bans on social media have limited effectiveness, as children often circumvent them easily.
He added that there is also a danger of children turning to unregulated apps with weaker moderation, which can result in cases of grooming and scams.
He cited the recent ban in Australia as an example, which led to spikes in downloads of obscure platforms lacking safety features.
“Despite removing nearly 5 million under-16 accounts since last December in Australia, teenagers continued viewing content without logging in or by using virtual private networks (VPNs),” he said.
Mohamad Ridza said it would be preferable if AI detection, moderation and safe defaults were integrated to flag child sexual abuse material, instead of imposing an outright ban.
He suggested a multilayered approach to dealing with the issue, which includes penalising platform providers who flout regulations.
Last November, the Cabinet approved raising the minimum age for social media accounts to 16, with implementation expected by mid-2026.
The move comes as part of wider efforts to tackle cyberbullying, exploitation and exposure to harmful content under the Online Safety Act, which comes into effect in July.
