KUALA LUMPUR: The government will rely on evidence, risk assessments and public feedback in considering further safeguards for children using online gaming platforms, says Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.
The approach is necessary to ensure that any measures introduced are evidence-based, proportionate to the level of risk and take into account the importance of children’s safety in the digital environment, Fahmi said in a written parliamentary reply on Monday (Oct 19).
He was responding to Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen (PH-Bandar Kuching), who asked whether the ministry planned to extend social media age restrictions to online gaming platforms with high numbers of child and teenage users.
Fahmi said the government, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF), is studying developments, risks and suitable regulatory approaches for online gaming services.
He added that the study covers child safety, user interactions, game features and content, as well as safeguards put in place by service providers.
Fahmi said MCMC is also examining approaches and practices at the international level to identify suitable and effective protective measures.
The findings will form the basis for determining whether further regulatory measures are needed for online gaming platforms, taking into account Malaysia’s context, industry developments, identified risks and the effectiveness of existing safeguards, he added.
The Star previously reported that online games could soon be required to disable high-risk features by default on children’s accounts under a proposed Gaming Sub-Code, including voice chats with strangers, direct messages from non-contacts and paid randomised rewards.
The proposed sub-code, led by the Content Forum, is due to be finalised after its public consultation closes on Oct 24 before being submitted to MCMC for registration. It is expected to take effect next year, subject to registration.
