Why Age Verification Is on the Table - The Malaysian government has long been concerned about children under 13 gaining unrestricted access to social media. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp may be popular, but they also come with risks — from exposure to inappropriate content to online scams. To address this, the Communications Ministry is exploring electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) verification as a possible solution.

What Is eKYC and How Would It Work? 

eKYC is already familiar to Malaysians who use e-wallets or banking apps. It's the process where a user's identity is verified electronically using official government-issued documents such as a MyKad, passport, or MyDigital ID. Extending this same mechanism to social media could mean that:

According to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, this approach is not just about protecting children — it's also about strengthening online safety overall by curbing impersonation and fraud.

Current Gap in Social Media Platforms

Fahmi pointed out that most major platforms — Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, TikTok, and others — do not yet have a capable eKYC system in place. While some platforms use basic email or phone verification, these can be easily bypassed. The government has therefore advised these platforms to adopt eKYC using official documents.

At this stage, it's not mandatory — but that will change once the upcoming Online Safety Act comes into effect. At that point, eKYC is expected to become a legal requirement for all social media platforms operating in Malaysia.

Government Engagement With Tech Giants

To push this initiative forward, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will soon coordinate a meeting with representatives from Meta and TikTok in Singapore. Scheduled within the next two weeks, this session will address two main issues:

This shows the government's seriousness in holding global tech companies accountable for how their platforms are used in Malaysia.

What This Means for Users

If implemented, Malaysians may need to verify their social media accounts with a MyKad, passport, or MyDigital ID before being allowed to use or continue using them. While this could feel like an extra step, it promises stronger security, fewer scams, and a safer online environment for young users.

The bottom line: social media in Malaysia could be on the verge of a major shift, moving from simple logins to verified digital identities.