Malaysia is conducting a regulatory sandbox to test rules for social media platforms, including age limits, before full implementation.
KUALA LUMPUR: A regulatory sandbox is being conducted to test mechanisms for governing social media platforms before any full implementation.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the approach aims to ensure orderly and effective regulation without stifling innovation.
He said several platforms have proactively engaged with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission on the sandbox, particularly regarding age-limit measures.
“The regulatory sandbox process and a series of discussions with social media platforms are ongoing. So far, the cooperation has been good and encouraging,” Fahmi told reporters after launching the Centre for Responsible Technology.
He said he would announce the next steps once the process is completed.
On broader regulation, Fahmi said the Online Safety Act 2025 focuses on oversight of social media platforms.
It includes directives to prohibit harmful content like child sexual exploitation, online gambling ads, fraud and scams.
The act also allows for additional rules, including age limits, and works with the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“These two laws operate together, and to be read together, to ensure that all platforms comply with regulations on the issue of minimum age of 16 for social media use,” he said.
On the new centre, Fahmi said CERT will be housed with the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia, with MCMC support.
It was established to study technology use and societal impact without curbing innovation.
Findings from its research will be presented to the Cabinet.
In a keynote address, Fahmi emphasised the need for responsible Artificial Intelligence use.
He warned that AI misuse poses growing risks to media sustainability, democracy and vulnerable groups.
Fahmi noted the economic impact of newer technologies has been “very debilitating” for legacy media.
“The future seems very uncertain,” he said, citing concerns over information accuracy and AI-generated content.
