The federal government is moving to implement age-verification rules for social media platforms under the Online Safety Act 2025, with penalties of up to RM10 million for non-compliance once subsidiary regulations are enforced.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching told the Dewan Negara that social media providers will be required to prevent users aged 16 and below from registering accounts, with the obligation to be formalised through subsidiary legislation under Act 866. “Failure to comply would constitute an offence and may result in fines of up to RM10 million,” she said.
Teo was responding to Senator Norhasmimi Abdul Ghani, who inquired about stricter controls for children’s access to social media and stronger enforcement against harmful content online. She explained that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is evaluating age and identity verification mechanisms, which will be finalised through statutory instruments by the second quarter of 2026.
A pilot programme is currently underway with social media providers to test technological solutions, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for age verification, entity authentication, and the detection of high-risk content. “MCMC is collaborating with platforms to explore faster and more effective complaint-handling and content monitoring approaches,” Teo added.
On questions regarding platforms failing to filter harmful content, Teo said mandatory codes are being developed to enforce “safety by design” obligations, requiring platforms to implement age-appropriate content filters. Public consultation on proposed risk mitigation and child protection codes began on February 12 and will continue until March 13.
Teo emphasised that a whole-of-society approach is essential to strengthen online safety and protect minors while using social media.
