Malaysia Implements Age Verification: Under-16s Barred From Social Media Accounts
Malaysia has implemented a new Child Protection Code under the Online Safety Act 2025, requiring social media and streaming platforms with over eight million users to verify ages and prevent registrations for users under 16. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube must introduce age verification, parental controls, and content moderation, with non-compliance carrying penalties up to RM10 million. This regulatory action impacts how these major platforms operate and ensure child safety in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Children under 16 are now prohibited from registering new social media accounts on covered platforms in Malaysia.
- Platforms must introduce age verification measures for both new and existing users, or face fines up to RM10 million.
- The code applies to licensed social media platforms with at least eight million users in Malaysia, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
- Mandatory safeguards include default child privacy settings, restricted adult-child communication, and safer recommendation algorithms.
- Platforms may use government-issued records like MyKad or passports for age verification, but specific methods are technology-neutral.
Why It Matters
The immediate implementation of Malaysia's Child Protection Code compels major social platforms to integrate age verification systems and enhance child safety features. This initiative impacts global platform standardization for user authentication, potentially influencing how platforms operate within other regulated markets. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission's (MCMC) technology-neutral approach to age verification allows platform flexibility but sets a precedent for regulatory oversight on user demographics. Track how effectively platforms implement these measures and if compliance models emerge as a standard for similar international regulations focused on minors.
Read full article at msn.com
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