KUALA LUMPUR: The use of MyDigital ID as an age verification method to prevent those under the age of 16 from opening social media accounts will help safeguard user data against cyberthreats and prevent sensitive information from being harvested by technology companies, says National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa) CEO Dr Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin.
Addressing data privacy concerns, Megat Zuhairy said the system eliminates the need for users to share sensitive information across multiple social media platforms, which are often targeted by hackers.
“MyDigital ID does not require users to submit or store physical ID copies, nor does it store biometric data such as fingerprints or facial images.
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“Instead, it verifies users against official records held by the National Registration Department to ensure that sensitive data remains within a secure and trusted government system,” he said, Bernama reported.
He said social media platforms will only receive the necessary confirmation, such as whether a user meets the age requirement, without gaining access to specific personal particulars.
He further assured that the government enforces strict data retention policies to protect users.
“Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary and in accordance with legal requirements, with safeguards in place to prevent misuse, unauthorised access or unnecessary storage,” he said.
He acknowledged that determined teenagers will still attempt to find loopholes, but said the government is strengthening its legal framework.
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The upcoming Cybercrime Bill is expected to introduce specific offences related to the misuse of digital identity services, including the unauthorised disclosure of passwords or the act of supplying another person’s digital identity credentials.
Describing Malaysia’s move to introduce the age limit as a step in the right direction, Megat Zuhairy noted that the country is not acting in isolation, but is part of a wider global shift to better protect young users from harmful content, cyberbullying and online exploitation.
Social media users will be required to provide official government-issued identification for age verification following the implementation of two new codes under the Online Safety Act (ONSA) by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), effective June 1.
Under the Children’s Protection Code (CPC) and the Risk Mitigation Code (RMC), acceptable methods for verification include the use of MyDigital ID or the submission of identity cards and passports to prevent those under 16 from opening social media accounts.
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Online Safety Committee (OSC) chairman Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim called on all adults entrusted with the care of children to take collective responsibility in ensuring children’s online safety and well-being.
She said the responsibility should not rest solely on parents, but also teachers, babysitters, relatives including aunts and uncles, as well as the wider community.
On the risks faced by children online, Hasnah said parents and legal guardians must play a more active role in monitoring their children’s online activities, especially as children today are becoming digitally savvy at a younger age.
She said the OSC, which acts as a neutral body under ONSA, will recommend appropriate measures and guidelines to the MCMC to improve online safety and platform accountability.
