The Malaysian government will soon require all social media platforms operating in the country to implement electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) identity verification to ensure users under the age of 13 cannot access these platforms, Bernama reports.
eKYC Planned For Accessing Social Media: Fahmi
According to Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, this initiative is aimed to strengthen online safety measures for children and ensure enforcement of community guidelines set by respective social media platforms. He said the proposal will be presented to the Cabinet for approval before an official announcement is made. Just last month, the minister has expressed his dissatisfaction in regards to TikTok’s efforts in curbing harmful content.
Fahmi also noted that Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is expected to meet with representatives from major social media companies next week to discuss the steps necessary for implementing the verification system. It has yet to be seen if the privacy implications – which involves the collection of Personal Identifiable Information (PII) – from such polices will be addressed, however.
In addition to protecting children online, the eKYC requirement is said to combat misuse of social media platforms for fraudulent and illegal activities, including scams, gambling, and fake advertisements. According to data cited by the minister, Facebook accounted for 78% of scam-related content removed from online platforms in Malaysia. Statistics also shows Malaysia as one of the worst-hit regions affected by monetary scams.
In recent years, regulatory scrutiny against social media platforms has gradually picked up in several countries. Notable examples include: Australia will soon enforce bans on those under 16 from accessing social media, while United Kingdom has already started enforcing age verification on various types of websites. Some states in United States are also taking similar approaches, with varying degrees of success.
Pokdepinion: There will be privacy implications for sure, though it remains to be seen if this will be sufficiently effective.
