Malaysia rolls out new rules for digital platforms from Jun 1

From Jun 1 this year, Malaysia will require digital platforms to include safeguards that limit account registration and ownership by those under the age of 16.



They will also need to implement stronger content governance on their platforms.



The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced these new rules seek to reduce youths’ exposure to harmful content on digital platforms.



They are aimed at “providing age-appropriate protections and restrictions for high-risk features on online platforms”, the MCMC said.



It added that a reasonable grace period would be given to service providers to complete verification processes and comply with the new requirements.



Malaysia has in recent years stepped up scrutiny of social media companies after finding a sharp rise in harmful online content..



Malaysian authorities consider online gambling, scams, child pornography and grooming, cyberbullying and content related to race, religion and royalty as harmful.