All social media must restrict access to underage users, says Teo

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching has called for all social media platforms to restrict access for underage users, not just Facebook and Instagram. She stated that the government aims to extend these restrictions globally as soon as possible. The proposed measures include a 2-hour daily usage limit and restricted access between midnight and 6am for users under 18.

Teo emphasized that safety features should not be limited to the US, as young people worldwide face the risk of internet addiction. Facebook and Instagram have already implemented restrictions and will remove features like infinite scroll and auto-feed, while also hiding like counts for underage users. Teo stressed that comprehensive measures must be implemented across all social media platforms to protect young people from internet addiction.

She explained that Malaysia has been granted a grace period to implement these measures, which is why some platforms continue to allow underage users despite the proposed restrictions.