ONLINE SAFETY ACT 2025

This Act, which has received Royal Assent on 6 May 2025, will be enforced once all 10 regulatory guidelines developed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are finalised. It aims to enhance online safety by addressing the spread of harmful content, fraud, and threats to public order. Key aspects include regulating social media and internet messaging services, requiring platforms to ensure safety, protect children under 13, and restrict access to harmful content. Platforms must also publish Digital Safety Plans detailing their safety strategies. 

Key Provisions and Impacts:

• Regulation of Platforms

The Act places obligations on social media and internet messaging service providers to ensure platform safety, protect children, and limit harmful content. 

• Harmful Content Definition

The Act defines "harmful content" to include child sexual abuse material, financial fraud, obscenity, indecent content, harassment, incitement to violence, and content promoting drug use. 

• Digital Safety Plans

Platforms are required to submit annual Digital Safety Plans outlining their safety strategies and measures. 

• Enforcement

The law allows authorities to take down unlawful postings and gives platform providers a duty of care. 

• Potential for Over-Censorship

There are concerns that the Act's focus on regulating content may incentivize platforms to over-censor users to avoid liability. 

• Amendments to Communications and Multimedia Act

The Online Safety Act complements the existing Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA). 

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