In less than two weeks, Malaysia will require social media users to verify their age using official government-issued documents such as MyKad or passports as part of new online safety measures aimed at protecting children online.
The new requirement is expected to take effect from 1st June 2026 under the Children’s Protection Code (CPC) and the Risk Mitigation Code (RMC) introduced by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
According to Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, social media platforms must implement mandatory age verification mechanisms to prevent users under 16 years of age from opening social media accounts. This would require users to verify their age using government-issued documents such as identity cards, passports or other official documents.
She added that if age is merely self-declared, any user can simply click and claim that they are above 18 years old.
Teo: MCMC has yet to determine technology for age verification
Interestingly, she said that the MCMC has yet to prescribed any specific technology that platforms must use for the age verification process.
Previously, MyDigital ID has been proposed as a possible age-verified eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) platform, as it is currently used across government services including mobile prepaid registration.
The Deputy Minister said that the government will provide a reasonable time frame for social media platforms to implement the necessary age verification process for existing accounts before enforcement action is taken. This comes after engaging with social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.
She added that users who fail to complete their verification process may have their accounts closed and social media platforms may use AI to determine if the user is aged 16 years old and above.
Malaysia’s stricter approach towards online safety comes as several countries globally move to tighten protections for children on social media platforms. Australia previously introduced restrictions for users under 16, while Indonesia has also begun implementing social media restrictions for minors this year.
Move raises concerns about privacy and freedom of expression
The proposed move has also raised privacy and digital rights concerns among civil society organisations and policy researchers in Malaysia. In April, ARTICLE 19 and over 70 Malaysian civil society groups urged the government to withdraw plans for a blanket under-16 social media ban, highlighting concerns that mandatory age verification using MyKad or passports could undermine privacy and freedom of expression for both adults and children.
Critics also warned that requiring users to submit government-issued identification documents to multiple online platforms could increase risks involving personal data misuse, leaks and surveillance. Some experts have also questioned the effectiveness of strict ID-based verification, arguing that minors may still bypass restrictions using VPNs, overseas accounts or alternative platforms.
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