Malaysia is prepared to allow social media platforms to use a range of government-issued documents for age verification, although MyDigital ID remains the government’s preferred option.
Deputy Communications Minister Datuk Teo Nie Ching said platforms could verify users’ ages using documents such as MyKad, passports and birth certificates.
However, she stressed that MyDigital ID offers a more privacy-focused solution because it only confirms whether a user meets the required age threshold without revealing additional personal information.
“Only the minimum information needs to be shared. The platform simply receives confirmation on whether the individual is above the required age,” she said.
Teo noted that many social media companies currently favour traditional identification documents, including passports and national identity cards, over MyDigital ID for verification purposes.
Despite this, she said the government’s position remains straightforward.
“If it is a document issued by the government, we are comfortable with it being used for age verification,” she explained.
The issue comes as Malaysia enforces stricter online safety measures under the Online Safety Act, which prohibits individuals under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms.
The restriction came into effect on June 1 and forms part of broader efforts to safeguard children and teenagers from cyber threats, online exploitation and harmful digital content.
The government has maintained that age verification mechanisms are a crucial component of ensuring a safer online environment, while balancing privacy concerns and user protection.
Authorities are continuing discussions with technology companies on implementing effective verification systems that comply with local regulations while protecting users’ personal data.
