LICENSED service providers have until Dec 28 to submit their online safety plans to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), says Teo Nie Ching.
The Deputy Communications Minister said service providers are compelled to do so under the Online Safety Plan regulations.
“They will also have to present any additional matters taken to improve safety for their users.
“This has to be submitted before or by Dec 28,” she said during Question Time yesterday.
According to Teo, failing to do so can result in penalties not exceeding RM1mil alongside additional penalties of up to RM100,000 for each subsequent day where the violation continues.
“A notice of non-compliance can also be issued under Section 37 of the Online Safety Act alongside another financial penalty not exceeding RM10mil,” she said.
Teo was responding to a supplementary question by Wong Shu Qi (PH-Kluang) who asked about steps taken to monitor the implementation of the enforcement status on social media age verification since June 1 this year.
Wong also asked about the number of existing accounts that have been verified and the number of accounts belonging to those under 16 that platforms have blocked.
Teo said MCMC will continue engaging with social media platform providers to ensure age verification is done efficiently.
“MCMC is also closely monitoring developments in other countries on matters related to child safety online to improve Malaysia’s measures,” she said.
The deputy minister said platforms undertake only age verification and not identities.
Malaysia began enforcing age verification requirements for the registration and opening of social media accounts from June 1 as a proactive measure to protect children under the age of 16 from cyber threats.
The move was implemented in line with the enforcement of the Child Protection Code and Risk Mitigation Code under the Online Safety Act by the MCMC.
