Malaysia was confident in its social media ban, but kids are still on TikTok

Malaysia's recent ban on social media access for children under 16 has proven difficult to enforce, leaving parents like Fathin Farhana frustrated. Despite the law taking effect on June 1, her preteen sons have easily bypassed the restrictions to continue using platforms like TikTok.

Fathin had hoped the ban would curb her sons' excessive screen time, which often involves watching live streams of games like Mobile Legends or playing games themselves. However, both boys managed to sign up for TikTok by providing fake birthdates, circumventing the age restriction designed to protect them.

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Both gave a fake age to sign up for TikTok, she said, and spend too much time watching live streamings of the game Mobile Legends or playing games themselves.

The government's intention was to create a safer online environment and reduce the amount of time children spend on social media. Yet, the ease with which minors can falsify their age highlights a significant loophole. This situation underscores the ongoing challenge for parents and authorities in regulating children's access to digital platforms.

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Her country, Malaysia, had barred children under 16 from social media starting June 1, and Fathin was hoping the rule would forcibly reduce the boys’ screen time.