Protecting the human rights of children – and everyone – online

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WE, the undersigned civil society organisations and individuals, urge the Malaysian government to immediately withdraw plans to ban social media for children under 16.

We understand that public concerns are at a peak, and there is no denying that social media companies have increasingly posed challenges to the wellbeing of children and all social media users in recent years. We also understand that the government’s aim to protect children and young people from online harm and the negative impact of social media on their wellbeing is consistent with Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which requires countries to take measures to protect children from violence (both physical and mental), abuse, and maltreatment.