New regulatory framework aims to protect children from paedophiles

The new regulatory framework introduced by MCMC aims to protect children from pedophiles.

It would do so by preventing children from registering on social media platforms, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

“Currently, the platforms do not seem so serious to prevent them from opening and using accounts. 

“Through licensing, we hope that we can curb those aged 13 and below from having social media accounts and we also do not want criminals to misuse platforms, especially in sexual crimes against children.

“We want to put an end to these paedophiles who use fake accounts to access social media,” he said, reported Malay Mail.

He said this after officiating the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang 2024 convoy for Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, here.

On July 28, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) introduced a new regulatory framework that requires social media and messaging platforms with more than eight million users in Malaysia to secure an annual government license, effective this month.

The new requirement will be enforced from January 1, 2025.

On August 5, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced that, starting next year, social media and messaging platforms must be incorporated in Malaysia to qualify for the required class license.