MCMC To Discuss With Social Media Platforms Regarding eKYC - Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will discuss with social media platforms to determine the best mechanism for implementing user identity verification (eKYC) aimed at enforcing a minimum age limit of 16 years for social media use.

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

He emphasised that implementing eKYC is crucial to ensuring the online safety of children, particularly in protecting them from pedophiles.

 “MCMC, along with several departments and agencies, will go to Singapore to meet with representatives from Meta, Google, X and TikTok, to discuss the best mechanism to ensure that the eKYC process, which uses official government-issued documents such as MyKad, passports, and MyDigital ID, can be implemented safely.

“This is also in line with the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 to prevent leakage of information and so on. However, the main priority remains the safety of children and families online,” he said during the question and answer session at the Dewan Rakyat today

He said the move aligns with the introduction of the Application Service Provider Class (ASP (C)) License, which takes effect on jan 1, 2025, and supports the implementation of the Online Safety Act 202.

Fahmi reaffirmed that the government will continue to strengthen measures to regulate and licence social media platforms to enhance online safety, particularly for children and families.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi) regarding the mechanism that will be introduced to implement the minimum age limit of 16 years for social media use.

-- BERNAMA