Brunei
Asia
Age Verification Compliance Overview
This page provides comprehensive age verification and compliance information for Brunei. Our research team continuously monitors regulatory changes, enforcement actions, and legal developments to ensure businesses have access to up-to-date compliance intelligence.
Brunei has implemented a complete prohibition on age-restricted adult content, classified as "Banned". This ban typically includes website blocking, payment processing restrictions, and potential criminal penalties for violations. Businesses should not attempt to operate in this jurisdiction without explicit legal counsel, as enforcement may include criminal prosecution, substantial fines, and reputational damage.
The information below includes regulatory status, legal requirements, enforcement mechanisms, penalties for non-compliance, acceptable verification methods, and relevant regulatory authorities. This data is essential for platforms, content providers, and businesses that need to implement age-appropriate access controls or verify user ages.
Please note: Adult content access is currently prohibited in Brunei. This ban may affect website accessibility, payment processing, and service availability. Businesses should consult legal counsel before operating in this jurisdiction.
Minimum Age
N/A (Banned)
Content is completely prohibited
Age Gate Required
No
No verification required
Last Verified
10/12/2025
Most recent data update
Regulatory Timeline
Historical changes and upcoming regulatory events
- Banned
Government continues internet censorship and monitoring: The US Department of State report noted that the government restricted access to the internet, censored online content, and had the unrestricted legal right and capability to monitor private online communications. AITI advised ISPs to monitor content 'contrary to the public interest, national harmony, and social morals.'
- Banned
Transexual people summoned by Ministry of Religious Affairs: The US Department of State report noted that 'transexual' people were summoned to the office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and demanded to maintain the gender listed on their birth certificate.
- Banned
Moratorium on death penalty extended to Syariah Penal Code offenses: Following international criticism, the Sultan of Brunei extended a de facto moratorium on the death penalty to cover offenses under the Syariah Penal Code, including death by stoning for 'liwat'.
- Banned
Full implementation of Syariah Penal Code Order 2013: The remaining provisions of the Syariah Penal Code Order 2013 were fully implemented, including severe penalties for same-sex sexual activity.
- Banned
Man arrested for cross-dressing: A man was arrested for 'cross-dressing and improper conduct' under the Syariah Penal Code.
- Banned
Civil servant fined for cross-dressing: A Bruneian civil servant was fined $1,000 under the Syariah Penal Code after pleading guilty to cross-dressing in a public place (Section 198).
- Banned
First phase of Syariah Penal Code Order 2013 implemented: The first phase of the Syariah Penal Code Order 2013, including provisions like Section 198 (Man posing as woman or vice versa), was implemented.
- Banned
Syariah Penal Code Order 2013 announced: Brunei announced the introduction of a new Islamic code, the Syariah Penal Code Order 2013.
- Banned
Undesirable Publications Act (Chapter 25) amended: The Undesirable Publications Act was amended by S 60/07, adding definitions for 'obscene' and 'objectionable' and related offenses.
- Banned
Telecommunications Order, 2001: The Telecommunications Order was enacted to provide for the operation and provision of telecommunication systems and services.
- Banned
Broadcasting Act (Chapter 180) enacted: The Broadcasting Act, governing broadcasting services and content, was enacted.
- Banned
Undesirable Publications Act (Chapter 25) commenced: The Undesirable Publications Act, which prevents the importation, distribution, or reproduction of undesirable publications, came into effect.
- Banned
Fatwa prohibiting assistance to non-Muslim organizations: The State Mufti issued a fatwa prohibiting Muslims from assisting non-Muslim organizations in perpetuating their faith, used to restrict non-Muslim religious activities.
- Banned
Penal Code 1951 (Chapter 22) in effect: The Penal Code 1951, including Section 377 'Unnatural Offences', was in effect.
Data Sources
Legal documents and references supporting this data
Showing 5 of 20 sources
aiti.gov.bntable-of-national-laws-for-online-content.pdf
aiti.gov.bncontent-regulation
agc.gov.bnCHAPTER%20025.pdf
agc.gov.bnsyariah%20penal%20code%20order2013.pdf
moha.gov.bnAkta-Akta%20dan%20Peraturan.aspx
All sources are evaluated for credibility and relevance. Primary sources indicate official legal documents and government publications. Credibility scores reflect source reliability based on jurisdiction, publication authority, and verification status.
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Regulatory Authorities
Regulator contacts will appear here as they become available.