A sandbox programme allows social media platforms to test compliance mechanisms in real-world conditions without immediate penalties, under government oversight. — 123rf
A regulatory sandbox programme was launched on Jan 1 to assess child protection mechanisms and consumer safety in the digital space.
This is being done ahead of a ruling to ban users under 16 from accessing social media platforms under the Online Safety Act, according to Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
International Islamic University Malaysia’s cybersecurity expert Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Ridza Wahiddin says a sandbox programme allows social media platforms to test compliance mechanisms in real-world conditions without immediate penalties, under government oversight.
“In Malaysia’s case, this likely includes testing age-assurance systems, AI-based age estimation, ID-linked verification [with privacy safeguards], parental consent mechanisms and default safety settings, among others,” he says.
He points out that other possible tests may also be carried out on no-direct-messages by default systems, restricted content discovery, limits on algorithmic amplification, reporting and escalation tools, faster takedown processes, localised moderation in Bahasa Malaysia, and clear pathways for schools and parents to intervene.
At the same time, feedback from stakeholders can include usability and privacy concerns by parents who may fear identification misuse or over surveillance or teachers flagging behavioural patterns on possible shifting of cyberbullying between platforms.
“The same goes for concerns about youths revealing real circumvention methods through the use of burner accounts, VPNs or shared login credentials.
“The feedback helps regulators answer practical questions like what type of controls that can work or which safeguards are too burdensome or effective.
“Therefore, the sandbox prevents Malaysia from locking itself into the wrong technical solution too early.”
Prof Mohamed Ridza also points out that the ban is not completely about banning the use of technology.
“[It is about] resetting how children are introduced to online technology, testing cybersecurity safeguards before scaling, and aligning social media governance with Malaysia’s broader digital and AI future.
“Its success will depend not on the law itself, but on enforcement realism, education follow-through, and adaptive regulation.”
