Fahmi: Malaysia, UK In Talks On Under-16 Social Media Restrictions For Over Two Years

KOTA BHARU, June 16 (Bernama) -- Discussions between Malaysia and the United Kingdom (UK) on regulating social media platforms, including restricting access for users under the age of 16, have been ongoing for more than two years.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the discussions and exchange of views involved the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the UK's communications regulator, Ofcom.

He said that during the early stages of the discussions, Ofcom viewed the Malaysian government's move through MCMC to introduce licensing requirements for social media platforms as a highly positive step.

“Discussions with Ofcom have indeed been ongoing, and we also welcome what has been announced by UK Prime Minister (Keir Starmer),” he told reporters after the presentation of letters of appointmenmt to chairpersons of the NADI Advisory Panels for Kelantan here today.

Yesterday, Starmer announced that children under the age of 16 would be barred from accessing all major social media applications.

Elaborating further, Fahmi said the UK’s move clearly demonstrates that an increasing number of countries are beginning to adopt decisions and approaches similar to those taken by Malaysia.

He added that the latest development also serves as further proof that social media platforms are generally unsafe for children under the age of 16.

-- BERNAMA