Malaysia: Communications and Multimedia Commission opened consultation on child protection code under Online Safety Act

On 12 February 2026, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) opened a consultation on the child protection code under the Online Safety Act 2025, until 13 March 2026. The code establishes mandatory safety obligations for licensed applications and content service providers whose services are likely to be accessed by children. The requirements include the implementation of effective age verification mechanisms, including checks against government-issued records, to ensure only users aged 16 and above can register or access age-appropriate features. Providers must also implement content moderation to prevent children's exposure to harmful material and offer parental controls for monitoring online activity. Furthermore, the code mandates privacy and safety-by-default settings, including restrictions on adult-child communication and the prevention of manipulative design. Search and recommendation systems must include safeguards to avoid promoting harmful content. Providers are also required to document compliance through an online safety plan or justify alternative measures that provide equivalent or superior protection.