Malaysia Cracks Down On Big Tech To Protect Kids Online: Is India Next?

Malaysia has become the latest country to tighten rules for social media and online platforms in an effort to protect children from harmful content and online risks. The move puts Malaysia alongside countries such as Australia, Spain, France and the United Kingdom, which have introduced or proposed stricter rules to protect children and limit their access to social media platforms.Under the new rules, introduced by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), online platforms will have to restrict account creation and ownership for users under 16, improve content monitoring,and introduce better systems for reporting and handling harmful content.Companies will also need to verify advertisers and clearly label AI-generated or manipulated

content when required."The implementation of these key obligations under Online Safety Act 2025 also forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure a safer digital experience for children and families. These measures help strengthen the protection of children in the online environment, while providing added reassurance to parents in navigating increasingly complex digital risks," MCMC said in a statement.Big Tech Faces Scrutiny In Europe Over Online Scam, Harmful Content RisksThe move comes at a time when governments across the world are putting more pressure on Big Tech and social media companies over concerns about cyberbullying, online scams, child exploitation, harmful content and the growing amount of time children spend on social apps like X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and more.Malaysia's latest action mirrors similar steps taken by countries such as Australia and Spain. Australia recently passed some of the world's toughest social media rules aimed at restricting access for younger users, while Spain has also been exploring stricter age-verification measures and stronger protections for children online. Several European nations are debating new rules that would require platforms to do more to verify user ages and prevent minors from accessing harmful content.Big Tech Wants Your Work Data TooFor India, the move raises an important question. Millions of children use social media and online platforms every day, and concerns around cyberbullying, online scams, harmful content and child safety continue to grow.While India has introduced several digital privacy and child protection measures over the years, it does not yet have a nationwide age-verification system for social media platforms like the ones being considered in other countries.