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Malaysia's Communications Ministry has confirmed that social media platforms must verify users are at least 16 years old using official documents like MyKad, with the requirement enforced under the Child Protection Code effective June 1, 2026.
Tennessee is suing Meta, claiming the company deliberately ignored internal research showing Instagram's addictive design harmed teenage mental health. The state seeks financial penalties and platform modifications.
Negeri Sembilan police have initiated a criminal investigation following 11 complaints about a TikTok video allegedly featuring political party statements referencing the state's royal institution ahead of Saturday's state election.
The Philippines is considering adopting Australia's social media ban for minors following a deadly school shooting in Tacloban City. The proposal emerged from ASEANAPOL's 44th conference, where regional police chiefs discussed online radicalisation and child protection.
France is pushing through Parliament a landmark bill to ban social media use for children under 15 and restrict mobile phones in high schools. The measure reflects growing global concern about social media's psychological toll on young people.
The UK government plans to require social media platforms to block access for users aged 16-17 between midnight and 6 a.m. by default, strengthening youth safeguarding measures following an earlier proposal to ban social media for under-16s.
A UK government-backed trial involving 309 households found teenagers reported improved sleep, concentration and wellbeing when subject to social media restrictions, though enforcement challenges and workarounds emerged.
Japan's parliament has approved new social media regulations aimed at curbing AI-generated disinformation in elections. The rules, effective March 2027, prohibit spreading false information about candidates but lack enforcement penalties.
The Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur has imposed an RM11,000 fine on blogger Jufazli Shi Ahmad for uploading offensive content on TikTok targeting former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Umno.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has criticized a Senate inquiry delaying amendments that would strengthen the eSafety Commissioner's enforcement powers for Australia's child social media ban implemented in December.
A US federal judge has rejected Meta's attempt to dismiss a lawsuit filed by dozens of state attorneys general alleging the company deliberately designed Facebook and Instagram to be addictive to children.
Australia is introducing legislation to toughen enforcement of its under-16 social media ban, granting its internet regulator expanded authority to pursue non-compliant technology companies through legal action.