Malaysia plans to implement social media age limits, with identity verification using MyKad or passports, following Australia’s model for online safety
PUTRAJAYA: The government is developing a framework to enforce social media age restrictions, including identity verification using official documents.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the ministry is reviewing mechanisms to implement the Online Safety Act 2024.
The Act allows for fines of up to RM10 million for violations.
“We will engage with social media platforms to develop a framework suitable for Malaysia, such as identity verification using official government documents like MyKad or MyPR and passports for non-citizens,” Fahmi explained.
He said the ministry is studying examples from other countries, including Australia, which will enforce its age limit policy from December 10.
Social media platforms in Australia have begun blocking or deleting accounts that do not meet the new requirement.
Fahmi noted the ministry is working closely with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said to implement the Act.
The minister was speaking at the Safe Internet Mega Carnival here.
Also present were Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching and senior officials from the ministry and regulatory bodies.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said the Safe Internet Campaign organised by MCMC will continue early next year.
The campaign has so far attracted participation from 8,462 schools involving 369,005 students nationwide.
“Next year, we will visit more schools and expand the campaign into Safe Internet Campaign 2.0, involving more communities,” he said.
The focus for 2026 will be to expand the campaign’s reach to other internet users, including seniors, youth and parents.
The Safe Internet Mega Carnival featured forums, exhibitions and an inter-university debate, attracting nearly 3,000 visitors. – Bernama
