Fahmi: MCMC to discuss user verification and 16+ age requirement with Meta, Google, and TikTok

Fahmi: MCMC to discuss user verification and 16+ age requirement with Meta, Google, and TikTok

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will hold discussions with major social media platforms to explore the best approach for implementing user identity verification (eKYC) in enforcing a minimum age requirement of 16 for social media users.

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KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will hold discussions with major social media platforms to explore the best approach for implementing user identity verification (eKYC) in enforcing a minimum age requirement of 16 for social media users.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the discussions would also involve relevant agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

He stressed that the introduction of eKYC is vital to ensuring children’s online safety, particularly in shielding them from predators.

“MCMC, together with several government departments and agencies, will travel to Singapore to meet representatives from Meta, Google, X, and TikTok to discuss the most secure and effective way to implement the eKYC process using official government-issued documents such as MyKad, passports, and MyDigital ID,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He added that the measure will comply with the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 to prevent data breaches, with the primary focus remaining on protecting children and families online.

Fahmi said the initiative also aligns with the rollout of the Application Service Provider Class (ASP (C)) Licence on January 1, 2025, and supports the forthcoming Online Safety Act 202.

He reiterated that the government will continue to enhance regulations and licensing for social media platforms to strengthen online safety for children and families.

Fahmi was responding to a supplementary question from Syahredzan Johan (PH–Bangi) regarding the mechanism to enforce the 16-year minimum age limit for social media use. — Bernama

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission will discuss with social media platforms to determine the best mechanism for implementing user identity verification aimed at enforcing a minimum age limit of 16 years for social media use. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

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