Post by : Shakul
Meta Platforms has called on the Malaysian government to rethink its planned restrictions on social media for those under 16 years old. The company highlighted that an outright ban could inadvertently drive young users to potentially unsafe online platforms.
In a recent statement made in Kuala Lumpur, Clara Koh, Meta's Southeast Asia public policy director, warned that blanket restrictions tend to fall short in effectiveness. She emphasized the "migration effect," a scenario where young users migrate to unregulated digital environments that lack adequate safety measures.
The Malaysian government previously revealed intentions to cooperate with social media firms to implement age-specific restrictions by mid-2026, aiming to tackle issues regarding online safety, digital well-being, and exposure to harmful content for minors.
However, Meta cautioned that such prohibitive measures might be counterproductive. Referencing international case studies, including Australia, the company pointed out the enforcement difficulties and uneven implementation that can undermine the efficacy of these policies.
Koh proposed that Malaysia focus on crafting a sophisticated regulatory framework that ensures uniform standards across different platforms. She emphasized the importance of industry collaboration to foster safe and suitable online experiences for youth.
Additionally, Meta noted the constructive role social media can play in youth development, providing avenues for expression, communication, and community ties. An absolute restriction might contribute to feelings of isolation among teenagers, similar to trends in countries with stringent regulations.
Meta further suggested prioritizing parental involvement in digital regulation, promoting tools and policies that enable families to oversee children's online interactions. The company reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with Malaysian officials for a secure yet inclusive digital landscape.
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