Fahmi: Govt Considering eKYC, Age Verification For Online Gaming Platforms

The Child Protection Code (CPC) under the Online Safety Act (ONSA) 2025 has recently come into effect, necessitating eKYC and age verification measures for social media platforms to prevent minors from creating accounts. Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil mentioned that the government will investigate the possibility of implementing similar systems for online gaming platforms.

This decision aims not only to address concerns about underage users but also potential misuse by extremist, radical, and terrorist groups. The idea is currently in the preliminary stages, though it is not the first time the government has discussed restricting online gaming platforms. Last year, the government considered banning the popular platform Roblox due to child safety concerns, following an incident in Batu Pahat where a nine-year-old boy severely injured his six-year-old brother, allegedly influenced by the gaming platform.

Despite the platform's user-generated content and potential for inappropriate material, Roblox has recently announced several measures to tackle child safety issues, such as an age-based account system and a "Family Zone." The Malaysian government is reportedly in discussions with Roblox, and the gaming platforms are reportedly prepared to cooperate.

The specifics of the implementation, such as which platforms will be targeted and the extent of the verification process, remain unclear. The government plans to monitor platforms that may be misused and may take action as necessary, involving law enforcement agencies like the Royal Malaysia Police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).