MyDigital ID has been identified as a key electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) tool to enforce the proposed minimum age of 16 for social media use, set for rollout in the second half of the year.
Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA) president Siraj Jalil said a robust eKYC mechanism is crucial to safeguard children online and curb fake accounts.
He said MyDigital ID, overseen by the National Cyber Security Agency, offers strong security features and should be integrated into licensing requirements for platforms such as Meta Platforms and TikTok.
Stricter identity verification would prevent minors from falsifying their age and enable better enforcement of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, he added.
Siraj described the proposed age limit as a “game changer” in enhancing children’s online safety.
He said Malaysia is taking the right approach by conducting a comprehensive study ahead of its planned rollout in July, noting Indonesia has already imposed similar restrictions for users under 16.
He added that the policy must be supported by active parental involvement and stronger media literacy programmes led by the Ministry of Education.
