MCMC: Malaysians Under 16 Have 1 Month to Transfer Data Before Social Media Accounts Are Suspended

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has given a one-month deadline for teenagers under 16 to transfer their data before their social media accounts are restricted or suspended.

This announcement comes as the Malaysian government begins enforcing age-verification requirements for social media account registrations under the Child Protection Code (CPC) and Risk Mitigation Code (RMC).

Image Credit: Engadget

For context, the CPC requires licensed social media platforms to implement child-safety-by-design measures and ensure age-appropriate protection. Meanwhile, the RMC requires service providers to adopt proactive safeguards such as risk assessments, content moderation, user safety controls, and stronger platform accountability.

According to an NST report, age verification must be conducted using government-issued records or equivalent documents recognised by Malaysian authorities. MCMC said social media platforms are required to carry out age verification for existing users within six months.

“Users under 16 years old will be given one month to secure their data, including photographs and videos, before their accounts are restricted, suspended, or subjected to other actions."

"Failure to comply with the CPC and the Online Safety Act 2025 could result in regulatory and enforcement action.”

As of now, this requirement applies to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

In the meantime, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said this is only the first step to protect children from online predators, not to restrict free speech.

Featured Image Credit: NST, The Guardian