PETALING JAYA: Civil society groups have urged the government to withdraw its proposed ban on social media for children under 16, warning that the move could be “misguided and disproportionate”.
In a joint letter addressed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the organisations said while concerns over online harm are valid, a blanket ban risks undermining fundamental rights, including privacy and freedom of expression.
“We understand that public concerns are at a peak but a total prohibition does not address the systemic and structural drivers of harm in digital spaces and may ultimately prove ineffective,” they said.
The proposal, expected to be implemented by June 2026, aims to protect children from the negative effects of social media, in line with obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
However, the groups argued that excluding children from digital spaces could instead limit their access to information, communication and participation in society.
“Children do not need to be excluded from digital spaces; instead, they need protection within them, along with the skills and safeguards to participate safely and meaningfully,” they said.
Among their key concerns is that the proposed ban may shift responsibility away from technology platforms and regulators, placing the burden on users instead.
They also warned that such restrictions could drive children towards less regulated and potentially more dangerous online environments.
Another major issue raised was the use of age verification systems to enforce the ban.
They said mandatory identity verification, potentially involving documents such as MyKad or passports, could lead to increased surveillance and misuse of personal data.
“Such measures risk normalising mass data collection, privacy invasions and eroding anonymity online,” they said.
They added that age-based restrictions may also create barriers for certain groups, particularly those without access to proper identification documents.
The letter further highlighted concerns over the legal framework, noting that the proposed ban could be introduced through subsidiary legislation under the Online Safety Act 2025 without full parliamentary scrutiny.
“Any measure that significantly restricts human rights must be enacted through clear primary legislation, subject to parliamentary scrutiny and democratic debate,” they said.
Instead of a blanket ban, the organisations called for a more comprehensive and evidence-based approach to online safety.
This includes stronger regulation of digital platforms, mandatory human rights and child impact assessments, and a whole-of-society strategy involving parents, educators and civil society.
They also urged greater investment in digital literacy, mental health support and ongoing engagement with children to build resilience in navigating online environments.
“Children should not be prohibited from accessing the digital world; they should be able to do so safely and in ways that protect their rights,” they said.
The joint letter was endorsed by dozens of Malaysian and international civil society organisations, reflecting broad concern over the potential impact of the proposed policy.
