Kuala lumpur: The use of MyDigital ID has been described as the most effective electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) instrument to enforce the proposed minimum age of 16 for social media use, scheduled for implementation in the second half of this year. Siraj Jalil, president of the Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association, emphasized the importance of a clear and robust eKYC mechanism to achieve the government's goal of safeguarding children online and tackling fake accounts more efficiently.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Siraj Jalil highlighted that MyDigital ID is well-suited for this role as it is a locally developed technology with strong security features, overseen by the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA). He stated that while some groups may not agree, the Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association fully supports this initiative. He elaborated that MyDigital ID enables more efficient identity verification and should be integrated into licensing requirements for social media platforms such as Meta Platforms and TikTok.
Siraj noted that stricter identity verification would prevent minors from falsifying their age and assist authorities in enforcing the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) more effectively against fake account holders. On the proposed age limit, he described the initiative as a 'game changer' for enhancing children's online safety.
Commenting on Indonesia's recent ban on access to high-risk digital platforms for those under 16, effective from March 28, Siraj remarked that Malaysia is on the right path by conducting a comprehensive study ahead of its planned rollout in July. He pointed out that Indonesia is the first non-Western country to implement such restrictions under its digital safety framework, known as the Tunas policy.
Meanwhile, Siraj also emphasized the need for active parental involvement and strengthened media literacy programs led by the Ministry of Education (MOE) to support the policy. He stressed that clear communication is crucial, especially since the policy affects school students, and effective engagement is necessary to prevent misunderstandings or unfounded opposition that could undermine the government's objectives.
On March 7, Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Teo Nie Ching stated that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is exploring various age verification methods in preparation for enforcing the minimum age requirement in the latter half of the year. The government aims for all social media platforms to implement eKYC by the end of the second quarter of 2026 as part of efforts to enforce the minimum age of 16 for account registration.