Age verification for social media must be backed by digital education, says cyber group

KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of an age verification mechanism under the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA) must be backed by comprehensive digital education to ensure users, especially young people, understand the risks and challenges of cyberspace.

Malaysia Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA) president Siraj Jalil said the association supported the government’s move to prevent children under 16 from owning social media accounts, but stressed that the mechanism must be accompanied by broader public engagement and awareness efforts.

“We support the age verification mechanism because social media platforms have long imposed age guidelines, but there has never been an effective way to prevent falsification of age,” he said during Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme tonight.

Siraj said the government should conduct phased dialogue sessions across different levels of society to explain the rationale behind the policy and avoid misunderstandings.

He said digital safety education should begin early so young people are better prepared to use online platforms responsibly once they reach the permitted age.

“That educational mechanism is important so they will not experience culture shock and can use digital platforms safely,” he added.

Siraj also urged parents to strengthen their understanding of cybersecurity before guiding their children in the use of digital technology.

“Parental readiness is very important. If even basic safety practices are not applied, how can they protect their children online?” he said.

Effective June 1, users of social media platforms will be required to upload official government-issued documents for age verification following the implementation of two new codes under the ONSA.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) recently introduced the Child Protection Code (CPC) and Risk Mitigation Code (RMC) to prevent individuals under 16 from opening social media accounts.

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المصدر: New Straits Times