Malaysia’s Online Safety Act 2025 comes into force, setting new obligations for platforms to improve online safety and protect children and families.
PETALING JAYA: The Online Safety Act 2025 (Onsa) came into force yesterday, introducing a statutory framework aimed at strengthening online safety, and protecting children and families, according to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
In a statement, the commission added that Onsa imposes new obligations on licensed service providers to address online risks.
These include implementing proportionate, risk-based safety measures, child protection safeguards and mechanisms for user reporting and assistance.
It explained that the Act applies to service providers holding an Application Service Provider licence, Content Application Service Provider licence or a Network Service Provider licence under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
The law does not apply to individual users.
The commission also highlighted that a related deeming provision under Section 46A of the Act took effect at the same time.
This covers social media platforms that meet prescribed criteria under Malaysia’s licensing framework, requiring them to comply with local laws, including Onsa.
“As a result, all social media platforms meeting the prescribed criteria are subject to the existing licensing framework and must comply with Malaysian laws,” the statement said.
According to MCMC, the Act and the deeming provision form part of a structured and phased regulatory approach to ensure that large-scale online platforms operating in Malaysia are subject to appropriate oversight and accountability.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to work with service providers, parents and educators, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations and the wider community to foster a safer online environment for all users, particularly children and families.
Further details on Onsa are available on the MCMC website.
