How will Malaysia enforce social media age limits with VPNs?

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Government and MCMC to Enforce Social Media Age Limits by Addressing VPN Misuse

Malaysia is implementing measures to enforce social media age limits by collaborating with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to combat the use of online tools like VPNs and third-party identities that bypass these restrictions. The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will investigate and address the misuse of such technologies, potentially treating it as an element of an offense if used to facilitate criminal activities. These efforts are in line with the country's commitment to child protection and cyber safety.
Legal Framework for Addressing VPN Misuse

Action will be taken under existing laws if VPNs are employed to aid criminal acts, such as deceiving children, perpetrating online scams, or distributing pornography. Specifically, the Penal Code, the Computer Crimes Act 1997, and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 provide the legal basis for prosecution in such instances. This approach aims to ensure that while technology is used lawfully, it does not become a tool for illegal activities that compromise child safety.
Collaboration with International Agencies

To tackle the cross-border nature of cybercrime, the Malaysian government is actively cooperating with international law enforcement bodies. This includes collaborations with the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) and Asean Chiefs of Police (Aseanapol). Such partnerships are crucial for sharing intelligence and coordinating efforts to address transnational cyber threats, including those that may exploit VPNs to circumvent national regulations.
Challenges and Regulatory Measures

Enforcement of these measures faces significant challenges, including the rapid evolution of technology, limitations on data storage by telecommunication companies, and the international location of many platforms and servers. For foreign platform providers, ensuring compliance with user screening and child protection requirements falls under the MCMC's jurisdiction. Non-compliance with directives can lead to compliance orders, content restrictions, and legal prosecution, underscoring the seriousness with which these regulations are being treated.
Alignment with Online Safety Legislation

The enforcement strategy aligns with the implementation of the Child Protection Code (CPC) and the Risk Mitigation Code (RMC) under the Online Safety Act 2025 (Act 866), which became effective on June 1. The rise in cases under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, from 69 in 2024 to 146 in 2025, highlights the urgent need for robust age-limit policies and effective enforcement mechanisms.

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How will Malaysia enforce social media age limits with VPNs?

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