Regulatory Sandbox Conducted To Test Regulatory Mechanism For Socmed Platforms - Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- A regulatory sandbox is being conducted to test regulatory mechanisms for social media platforms, including age limits, before any full implementation is introduced.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the approach is intended to ensure that regulation can be implemented in an orderly and effective manner without stifling technological innovation.

He said several social media platforms have proactively engaged with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on the regulatory sandbox, particularly on age-limit measures.

“The regulatory sandbox process and a series of discussions with social media platforms are ongoing. So far, the cooperation has been good and encouraging.

“Once the process is completed, I will announce the next steps,” he told reporters after launching the Centre for Responsible Technology (CERT) here today.

On regulation, Fahmi said the Online Safety Act (ONSA) 2025 focuses on oversight of social media platforms, including directives to prohibit content deemed harmful, such as child sexual exploitation, online gambling advertisements, fraud and online scams.

He said ONSA also allows for the introduction of additional rules, including age limits, and works in tandem with the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, particularly in relation to the licensing of social media platforms.

“These two laws operate together, and to be read together, to ensure that all platforms comply with regulations on the issue of minimum age of 16 for social media use,” he said.

On CERT, Fahmi said the research centre will be housed with the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia (ISIS Malaysia), with support and coordination from MCMC.

He said CERT was established to conduct studies on the use of technology, including emerging technologies and their societal impact, without curbing innovation.

Fahmi said findings from CERT’s research, involving diverse community groups and stakeholders, including research bodies from Southeast Asia, will be presented to the Cabinet.

Earlier in his keynote address, Fahmi emphasised the need for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), warning that its misuse posed growing risks to media sustainability, democracy and vulnerable groups.

He said that while AI and other emerging technologies offered efficiency and innovation, they had also created significant challenges, particularly for the media industry, which he described as a pillar of democracy.

Fahmi noted that the economic impact of newer technologies, including social media, has been “very debilitating” for legacy media organisations, with reporters losing their jobs and once-dominant companies facing serious financial pressure.

“The future seems very uncertain,” he said, noting growing concerns over the accuracy of information, the race to be first in breaking news and the increasing use of AI-generated content in journalism.

-- BERNAMA