Maldives plans social media restrictions for children under 16
02.06.2026 - 15:01 | Last Updated:
The Maldives is preparing legislation that would restrict access to certain social media platforms for users under 16, as the government seeks to strengthen protections against cyberbullying, online grooming and other digital threats targeting children.
The Maldives government is developing plans to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing selected social media platforms, joining a growing number of countries pursuing stricter online safety measures for minors.
Speaking during a weekly press briefing, Mohamed Muizzu said protecting children from online harm has become a major concern for families both in the Maldives and around the world.
According to state media reports, the proposed restrictions are intended to address risks such as cyberbullying, online grooming and other forms of digital exploitation that disproportionately affect younger users.
The government has not yet specified which platforms would be covered by the ban. Officials indicated that the policy may focus on services considered to present the highest risks to children rather than imposing a blanket prohibition across all social media platforms.
As part of the process, the Maldives plans to study regulations adopted in other countries. Officials said particular attention will be given to measures introduced in Australia, which recently implemented some of the world's strictest social media restrictions for minors.
The government also intends to consult with technology companies and platform operators to explore how services can be adapted to comply with local regulations and child safety requirements.
Implementing the proposal will require amendments to existing cybersecurity and online safety laws. Authorities are expected to begin the legislative process in the coming months before presenting a final framework for public review.
Muizzu emphasized that the planned restrictions are not intended to limit children's access to educational resources or information available online. Instead, he said the goal is to create a safer digital environment while preserving the benefits of internet access for learning and communication.
The Maldives' proposal reflects a broader global trend toward tighter regulation of children's social media use. In recent years, countries including Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia have introduced or proposed measures ranging from mandatory age verification systems to outright restrictions on social media access for younger users.
As governments worldwide grapple with concerns about the impact of social media on children’s mental health and online safety, the Maldives appears poised to become the latest nation to adopt stricter rules for young internet users.
