Malaysia now requires identity checks for sponsored social media ads, says deputy comms minister

MELAKA, May 31 — All advertisers using sponsored advertisements on social media platforms will be required to verify identities in a bid to curb online fraud, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said.

She said the measure, which also targets digital gambling activities and the misuse of prominent individuals’ identities, is among the new responsibilities under the Risk Mitigation Code (RMC).

She said the code will come into force today (June 1) under the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA) and will apply to social media platform providers classified as licensees, namely those with more than eight million users in Malaysia.

“We have seen many sponsored posts using the images of well-known individuals to promote content such as dubious investments, financial scams and online gambling, and so far it has been difficult to take action because we do not know who actually paid for the advertisements,” she said.

She told reporters this after attending the launch of the Kota Melaka Parliamentary Elected Representative for the People (WRUR) Programme for the Banda Hilir state constituency at Taman Kota Laksamana Cheng Ho here today.

Teo said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will require every advertiser, whether an individual or a registered entity, to undergo identity verification by the platform before being allowed to publish sponsored advertisements.

She urged social media platform providers to fully cooperate in complying with the RMC as well as the Child Protection Code (CPC), which will also take effect today, to ensure the safety of internet users.

On the age-verification mechanism that will also take effect today to prevent individuals under the age of 16 from opening social media accounts, Teo explained that official documents such as identity cards or passports will be required for registration purposes.

She acknowledged that some parents are still looking for the best approach to convince their children about the safety measures, but said the majority fully support the initiative.

“Parents are indeed very supportive because they understand that the internet presents many issues such as cyberbullying, sexual abuse and child grooming, all of which are concerns faced by parents,” she said.

She said the government will provide a reasonable period for platform providers to fulfil these new responsibilities, but a high level of compliance is expected. — Bernama