Kuala lumpur: The implementation of the age verification mechanism aims to ensure that those aged 16 and below do not have social media accounts in line with efforts to enhance digital security, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said. She noted that the verification method would be determined later, potentially involving MyDigital ID, an identity card, or a passport.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Teo clarified that after the verification process, no additional information such as the account user's name or ownership details would be collected. This statement was made during a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat, where Teo responded to Shaharizukirnain Abd Kadir (PN-Setiu) regarding the potential cleanup of data on existing social media accounts post-verification.

Teo highlighted that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is currently focused on assessing the feasibility of user age verification mechanisms as part of the compliance requirements under the Online Safety Act 2025 (Act 866). The assessment will consider user account security, personal data protection, privacy issues, technological accuracy, and compliance with Malaysia's legal and regulatory framework.

To facilitate this, Teo mentioned the implementation of the Regulatory Sandbox process, wherein MCMC collaborates with social media platform providers to evaluate suitable technological approaches. This includes age verification mechanisms, entity verification, and the use of artificial intelligence to detect risky content, as well as enhancing complaint handling mechanisms for increased efficiency.

Following the assessment and Regulatory Sandbox process, Teo stated that the responsibility to prevent users aged 16 and below from accessing social media accounts would lie with platform providers under relevant subsidiary instruments. This was in response to Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH-Bukit Bendera), who raised concerns about the government's proposal to regulate the age verification process, especially considering the provision of citizens' personal details to foreign-based platforms.