Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has announced the government will ban children under 16 from accessing certain social media platforms to protect them from cyberbullying, online grooming and other digital threats, a state media outlet reported.
Speaking at a weekly press conference on Monday (local time), Muizzu said protecting children from online harm had become a major concern for parents in the Maldives and abroad, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting state media outlet PSM News.
The government would study regulations in other countries, including Australia, as it prepares the new policy, he noted.
The proposed ban would target specific applications considered risky for children, Muizzu said, adding that the government would consult relevant technology companies and work with platform owners to bring their services in line with Maldivian law.
The measure would require amendments to existing cyber safety laws, according to the president.
Muizzu said the restrictions would not hinder children's education or their ability to learn online, but would help create a safer digital environment.
The government aims to finalise the regulatory framework and introduce the ban within a year after public consultations, PSM News reported.
If implemented, the Maldives will follow Australia in banning social media for children under 16 years. Canberra had announced the ban last year.
As of January, over 4.7 million accounts belonging to children were deactivated in the first days of Australia's world-first social media ban for under-16s.
Data released by the government's eSafety commissioner had revealed that social media companies removed access to around 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children under 16 in the days after the ban took effect on December 10.
The Australian government is also investigating five social media platforms for failing to comply with the country's world-first social media ban for children younger than 16.
In its first report on the social media minimum age obligation, the federal government's eSafety Commissioner said on Tuesday that it has "significant concerns" about the compliance of the social media giants, including Facebook and Instagram, with the laws that came into effect in December.
Under those laws, social media companies that fail to take reasonable steps to prevent children younger than 16 from accessing their platforms face fines worth up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($33.9 million).
If the Maldives goes ahead with its proposal, it would join a growing list of countries that have either banned social media for children under 16 or are moving toward similar restrictions.
Countries with under-16 social media bans or restrictions
1. Australia
The world's first nationwide ban on social media for children under 16.
The law took effect in December 2025.
Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and others are required to block under-16 users or face hefty fines.
2. Malaysia
Began enforcing a ban on social media account creation for children under 16 in June 2026.
Platforms are required to implement age verification measures.
3. Indonesia
Has announced plans to restrict access to major social media platforms for users under 16.
Countries considering similar laws
Several nations are debating or drafting legislation that would restrict social media access for minors:
Norway – considering a ban for under-16s.
United Kingdom – studying Australia's model and considering tighter rules.
Spain – proposal to ban social media access for children under 16.
Greece – planning restrictions for users under 15.
France – legislation under consideration.
Denmark – moving toward a ban for users under 15.
Poland and Slovenia – drafting similar legislation.
What about India?
India does not currently have a nationwide social media ban for under-16s. However, there have been discussions around stricter age-verification rules and online safety regulations for minors. Some states have explored age-based restrictions, but no national ban similar to Australia's exists at present.
