Ministry of Communications Reviews Social Media Regulation for Minors
The Ministry of Communications is currently reviewing the recent social media ban for minors under 16 in Australia and legislation requiring parental consent for children under 15 in France, for consideration of similar laws in Malaysia.
Assessing Enforcement Challenges
Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching emphasized that the first issue arises when parents provide their children with phones, and how to ensure that children under the ages of 13 or 16 do not download social media apps onto their phones. "So, who will be responsible for monitoring this? If someone violates the law by downloading social media apps, who do we penalise—the parents, the children, or the platform providers?" she questioned.
Practical Issues to be Addressed
There are indeed many practical issues that need thorough evaluation before any decision is made, she explained. "There are many stakeholders involved, and we need to consider the roles of teachers, parents, and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in promoting responsible internet use and online safety."
Collaboration and Education
The Ministry of Communications actively collaborates with various agencies and ministries, including the Ministry of Education, through initiatives like the "Klik Dengan Bijak" programme, to educate young people on becoming responsible internet users while promoting safe online practices. "Recent reports show that half of those aged 13 to 17 spend an average of three hours daily on their phones. This is a phenomenon that requires serious attention and the cooperation of all parties," she emphasized.
Regulatory Framework
In response to Senator Manolan’s initial question about the minimum age for registering social media accounts, she said the Community Guidelines of most social media platform operators set it at 13 years of age. To strengthen regulatory and enforcement efforts against the growing prevalence of harmful online activities, the MCMC has mandated that social media and internet messaging service providers obtain an Application Service Provision Class License under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588). This requirement will come into effect on January 1 next year.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Communications is committed to reviewing and implementing measures to ensure the safety and well-being of Malaysian children online. By collaborating with various stakeholders and educating young people on responsible internet use, we can promote a safer and more responsible online environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the minimum age for registering a social media account?
A: The Community Guidelines of most social media platform operators set it at 13 years of age.
Q: How will the government ensure that children under 16 do not download social media apps onto their phones?
A: The Ministry of Communications is currently reviewing the enforcement challenges and will announce its plans in due course.
Q: What is the role of parents in ensuring their children’s online safety?
A: Parents play a significant role in educating their children on responsible internet use and promoting safe online practices.