Online safety regulations should be introduced gradually and supported by strong institutional safeguards to protect users while encouraging cooperation from digital platforms, according to Cybersecurity Research Centre (CYRES) director Prof Dr Selvakumar Manickam.
Speaking on Bernama TV’s Bernama World programme, “Online Safety in Focus: Understanding Malaysia’s ONSA 2025,” Selvakumar said experiences from countries that have already implemented online safety laws show that effective regulation cannot rely on the government alone.
He stressed that a multi-stakeholder approach involving civil society, parents, and educators is essential, adding that such regulations cannot be implemented all at once.
“There has to be a phased approach. Platforms should be categorised based on their impact, with high-impact platforms prioritised first,” he said, noting that smaller platforms with limited local presence should be subject to lighter compliance requirements.
Selvakumar said enforcement has become increasingly complex due to rapidly evolving online threats, including scams, AI-driven misinformation, and child exploitation.
On balancing regulation with freedom of speech, he emphasised the importance of transparency and independent oversight. He proposed the creation of an independent online safety body comprising civil society representatives and academic experts.
“The government should publish transparent reports explaining why content is removed and how these actions impact Malaysians,” he said, adding that an Online Safety Appeal Tribunal should be established to provide both users and platforms with a fair mechanism to challenge decisions.
Addressing concerns over compliance by global technology companies, Selvakumar said Malaysia has adopted a pragmatic approach by engaging platforms through a regulatory sandbox rather than imposing immediate penalties.
“The Act has been in effect since Jan 1, but enforcement is not punitive at this stage. The focus is on working with platforms,” he said.
On cross-border digital crimes, Selvakumar highlighted the need for regional cooperation due to the borderless nature of online platforms. He said Malaysia’s leadership within Asean could strengthen data-sharing and collective responses under the regional cybersecurity framework.
“At the Asean level, collaboration and shared data can significantly improve efforts to combat scams and fraud across the region,” he added.
Bernama previously reported that the regulatory sandbox is being used to test governance mechanisms for social media platforms, ensuring that online safety regulations are implemented in an orderly and effective manner without stifling innovation.
