Malaysia is moving closer to enforcing stricter rules for social media platforms, requiring them to implement age verification and identity checks for all users. The move, announced by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, aims to protect children online and curb the growing threat of digital scams and harmful content.
Protecting Young Users with Age Restrictions
According to Fahmi, the new policy will make it mandatory for social media platforms to restrict users under 13 years old from creating accounts. To ensure compliance, platforms must adopt electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) systems — similar to those used in banking — to verify a user’s real identity.
He explained that this approach is necessary to improve digital safety and align Malaysia with international standards on online child protection. The Communications Ministry has already discussed the plan with several major social media companies, and final implementation details will be announced after cabinet approval.
eKYC to Combat Scams and Online Crimes
Beyond protecting children, Fahmi emphasised that eKYC verification could also help reduce online scams, fake advertisements, and illegal gambling activities. By ensuring that each user is tied to a verified identity, authorities will have better tools to trace and act against bad actors.
He cited recent data presented in Parliament showing that 78% of scam-related content taken down in Malaysia originated from a single social media platform, underlining the urgency for stronger verification measures.
Expanding Access and Digital Inclusion
The announcement was made during the launch of NADI on Wheels (NOW) in Sipitang, a program led by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). NOW focuses on improving digital literacy and access across rural areas, equipping communities with laptops, internet access, and digital entrepreneurship tools.
Fahmi also shared updates on the MADANI Submarine Cable Project, a RM2 billion initiative to link Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. The project will enhance internet capacity and stability nationwide, connecting key coastal cities like Tanjung Aru and Tawau within the next two to three years.
Strengthening Malaysia’s Digital Infrastructure
In addition to new social media regulations, the government is investing in telecommunication tower upgrades, especially in flood-prone areas. These efforts include reinforcing tower structures and introducing hybrid power systems to ensure uninterrupted connectivity during emergencies.
Toward a Safer, Smarter Digital Malaysia
Fahmi concluded that Malaysia’s upcoming age-verification policy is part of a broader national effort to create a safer digital environment, strengthen online accountability, and expand equitable internet access across the country.
In other news, Instagram recently announced a new PG-13 content baseline for users under 18 for the same reason. You can read more about the news right here, and stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.
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