Kuala lumpur: The government aims to have all social media platforms implement a digital identity verification mechanism, or the electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) solution, by the end of the second quarter of 2026, to enforce the minimum age requirement of 16 for account creation. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has tasked the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) with engaging all social media platforms to adopt this measure within a reasonable timeframe.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this timeframe considers successful implementations in other countries, including Australia. Fahmi mentioned that adopting similar systems could ease and potentially speed up the implementation process. He conveyed these remarks to reporters after attending the Community Day at the Simpang Tiga Langkon National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI).

The mechanism will include processes to freeze accounts belonging to children under 16, with procedures to restore access once they reach the required age. Fahmi also emphasized that the eKYC rollout would involve using identity documents such as passports, MyKad, and MyDigital ID to verify users' identities. This initiative aims to prevent children under 16 from using social media platforms and to combat scams and online gambling activities, which often involve fake accounts.

Fahmi also announced plans to expand the NADI initiative by adding another centre in Sabah, identifying several potential locations based on geography, accessibility, and population. Sabah currently hosts 131 NADI centres, the second-highest number nationwide after Sarawak.