Malaysia Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA) - Revision history

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	==Background==		==Background==
	Between January and November 2025, Malaysian police recorded RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web \|last=Bernama \|date=2025-12-08 \|title=Online scams cost Malaysians over RM2.7bil as of November \|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/08/online-scams-cost-malaysians-over-rm27bil-as-of-november \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260122015417/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/08/online-scams-cost-malaysians-over-rm27bil-as-of-november \|archive-date=22 Jan 2026\|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=The Star}}</ref> A UNICEF study identified more than 100,000 children in Malaysia at risk of online sexual exploitation.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=~~Harry Beaty~~ \|first=Gloria \|last2=Salehuddin \|first2=Sufea \|date=2024-12-02 \|title=The growing threat of online child exploitation \|url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2024/12/02/the-growing-threat-of-online-child-exploitation/ \|url-status=live \|website=The Malaysian Reserve}}</ref><!-- < TMR resists archiving tools --> <!-- Original 404! reference in case it gives context: [404!]. https://www.unicef.org/malaysia/press-releases/unicef-malaysia-online-child-safety-report		Between January and November 2025, Malaysian police recorded RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web \|last=Bernama \|date=2025-12-08 \|title=Online scams cost Malaysians over RM2.7bil as of November \|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/08/online-scams-cost-malaysians-over-rm27bil-as-of-november \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260122015417/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/08/online-scams-cost-malaysians-over-rm27bil-as-of-november \|archive-date=22 Jan 2026\|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=The Star}}</ref> A UNICEF study identified more than 100,000 children in Malaysia at risk of online sexual exploitation.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Beatty \|first=Gloria Harry \|last2=Salehuddin \|first2=Sufea \|date=2024-12-02 \|title=The growing threat of online child exploitation \|url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2024/12/02/the-growing-threat-of-online-child-exploitation/ \|url-status=live \|website=The Malaysian Reserve}}</ref><!-- < TMR resists archiving tools --> <!-- Original 404! reference in case it gives context: [404!]. https://www.unicef.org/malaysia/press-releases/unicef-malaysia-online-child-safety-report

	--><!-- < Original Sentence: with police operations uncovering hundreds of thousands of files containing child sexual abuse material. [citation needed - Sentence mixes two different sources together?] -->		--><!-- < Original Sentence: with police operations uncovering hundreds of thousands of files containing child sexual abuse material. [citation needed - Sentence mixes two different sources together?] -->
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	===Stop eKYC Petition===		===Stop eKYC Petition===
	In November 2025, a Change.org petition titled "Stop eKYC for social media in Malaysia and promote digital literacy" was launched opposing mandatory identity verification requirements for social media users.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Canary \|first=Carol \|date=2025-10-28 \|title=Stop eKYC for social media in Malaysia and promote digital literacy \|url=https://www.change.org/p/stop-ekyc-for-social-media-in-malaysia-and-promote-digital-literacy \|url-status=live \|archive-date=2026-03-03 \|access-date=2026-03-03 \|website=Change.org}}</ref> The petition raises several concerns about the eKYC requirement:		In November 2025, a Change.org petition titled "Stop eKYC for social media in Malaysia and promote digital literacy" was launched opposing mandatory identity verification requirements for social media users.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Canary \|first=Carol \|date=2025-10-28 \|title=Stop eKYC for social media in Malaysia and promote digital literacy \|url=https://www.change.org/p/stop-ekyc-for-social-media-in-malaysia-and-promote-digital-literacy \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260303085622/https://www.change.org/p/stop-ekyc-for-social-media-in-malaysia-and-promote-digital-literacy \|archive-date=2026-03-03 \|access-date=2026-03-03 \|website=Change.org}}</ref> The petition raises several concerns about the eKYC requirement:

	'''Data Breach Risks''': The petition cites international examples of age verification data breaches, including Discord's leak of approximately 70,000 users' identification documents in the UK, which exposed children to doxxing risks and enabled predators to attempt purchasing children's IDs for stalking and potential kidnapping.		'''Data Breach Risks''': The petition cites international examples of age verification data breaches, including Discord's leak of approximately 70,000 users' identification documents in the UK, which exposed children to doxxing risks and enabled predators to attempt purchasing children's IDs for stalking and potential kidnapping.

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Enforcement: Correct source for rm10mil fines

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	The '''Online Safety Act 2025''' ('''Act 866''') is Malaysian legislation that came into force on January 1, 2026, requiring social media and messaging platforms with over 8 million Malaysian users to remove harmful content and implement safety measures.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web \|last= \|first= \|date=2026-01-02 \|title=Online Safety Act comes into force to protect users \|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/02/online-safety-act-comes-into-force-to-protect-users \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260107212302/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/02/online-safety-act-comes-into-force-to-protect-users \|archive-date=7 Jan 2026\|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=The Star}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Yem \|first=Carrine \|date=2026-01-01 \|title=Online Safety Act Kicks In Effective Today \|url=https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2026/01/01/online-safety-act-kicks-in-effective-today/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260102010829/https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2026/01/01/online-safety-act-kicks-in-effective-today/ \|archive-date=2026-01-02 \|website=Business Today}}</ref> The Act targets nine categories of harmful content including child sexual abuse material and financial fraud, with platforms facing fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance. <ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|title=ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf \|url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101142253/https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf \|archive-date=2026-01-01 \|website=MCMC}}</ref> Civil society groups have raised concerns about potential censorship and surveillance, while the government maintains the Act targets platform accountability rather than individual users.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web \|last= \|title=Malaysia: Concerns with the Online Safety Bill 2024 \|url=https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-bill/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250810034315/https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-bill/ \|archive-date=10 Aug 2025\|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=Article 19}}</ref> <!-- Note: Article has loooooooooooooooooots of sentences that reiterate the same point. If there was one way it could be improved, it'd be that first -->		The '''Online Safety Act 2025''' ('''Act 866''') is Malaysian legislation that came into force on January 1, 2026, requiring social media and messaging platforms with over 8 million Malaysian users to remove harmful content and implement safety measures.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web \|last= \|first= \|date=2026-01-02 \|title=Online Safety Act comes into force to protect users \|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/02/online-safety-act-comes-into-force-to-protect-users \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260107212302/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/02/online-safety-act-comes-into-force-to-protect-users \|archive-date=7 Jan 2026\|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=The Star}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Yem \|first=Carrine \|date=2026-01-01 \|title=Online Safety Act Kicks In Effective Today \|url=https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2026/01/01/online-safety-act-kicks-in-effective-today/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260102010829/https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2026/01/01/online-safety-act-kicks-in-effective-today/ \|archive-date=2026-01-02 \|website=Business Today}}</ref> The Act targets nine categories of harmful content including child sexual abuse material and financial fraud, with platforms facing fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance. <ref name=":4" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|title=ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf \|url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101142253/https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf \|archive-date=2026-01-01 \|website=MCMC}}</ref> Civil society groups have raised concerns about potential censorship and surveillance, while the government maintains the Act targets platform accountability rather than individual users.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web \|last= \|title=Malaysia: Concerns with the Online Safety Bill 2024 \|url=https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-bill/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250810034315/https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-bill/ \|archive-date=10 Aug 2025\|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=Article 19}}</ref> <!-- Note: Article has loooooooooooooooooots of sentences that reiterate the same point. If there was one way it could be improved, it'd be that first -->

	==Background==		==Background==
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	-->The Act has extra-territorial reach, applying to companies outside Malaysia if they provide services within Malaysia and fall under the licensing framework. <ref>{{Cite book \|url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf \|title=ONLINE SAFETY ACT 2025 - Act 866 \|year=2025 \|pages=10 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911161002/https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf \|archive-date=2025-09-11 \|url-status=live}}</ref>		-->The Act has extra-territorial reach, applying to companies outside Malaysia if they provide services within Malaysia and fall under the licensing framework. <ref name=":4">{{Cite book \|url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf \|title=ONLINE SAFETY ACT 2025 - Act 866 \|year=2025 \|pages=10, 39 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911161002/https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf \|archive-date=2025-09-11 \|url-status=live}}</ref>

	===Affected platforms===		===Affected platforms===
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	===Enforcement===		===Enforcement===
	The Act is overseen by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last= \|first= \|date=2026-01-01 \|title=Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission \|url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-releases/faq-the-online-safety-act-2025-onsa \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101125158/https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-releases/faq-the-online-safety-act-2025-onsa \|archive-date=2026-01-01 \|website=MCMC}}</ref> Service providers can face fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance with the Act's requirements.~~{{CitationNeeded\|reason=wrong citation >}}~~<ref name=":4"~~>{{Cite web \|last=[404!] \|title= \|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/01/online-safety-act-2025-comes-into-effect \|url-status=dead}}<~~/~~ref~~> The Act establishes an Online Safety Appeal Tribunal to handle grievances related to Commission decisions and enforcement actions.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web \|title=Malaysia Federal Legislation \|url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/act-detail.php?act=866&lang=BI \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260303072544/https://lom.agc.gov.my/act-detail.php?act=866&lang=BI \|archive-date=2026-03-03 \|access-date=2026-03-03}}</ref>		The Act is overseen by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last= \|first= \|date=2026-01-01 \|title=Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission \|url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-releases/faq-the-online-safety-act-2025-onsa \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101125158/https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-releases/faq-the-online-safety-act-2025-onsa \|archive-date=2026-01-01 \|website=MCMC}}</ref> Service providers can face fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance with the Act's requirements.<ref name=":4" /> The Act establishes an Online Safety Appeal Tribunal to handle grievances related to Commission decisions and enforcement actions.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web \|title=Malaysia Federal Legislation \|url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/act-detail.php?act=866&lang=BI \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260303072544/https://lom.agc.gov.my/act-detail.php?act=866&lang=BI \|archive-date=2026-03-03 \|access-date=2026-03-03}}</ref>

	==Age verification and under-16 ban==		==Age verification and under-16 ban==
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	Malaysia's position on the World Press Freedom Index dropped from 73rd in 2023 to 107th in 2024, reflecting growing concerns about shrinking civic spaces.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Malaysia {{!}} RSF \|url=https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260128063103/https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia \|archive-date=2026-01-28}}</ref> Digital rights advocates warned that the Act's implementation occurs against a backdrop of declining press freedom and increasing restrictions on online expression.<ref name=":2" />		Malaysia's position on the World Press Freedom Index dropped from 73rd in 2023 to 107th in 2024, reflecting growing concerns about shrinking civic spaces.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Malaysia {{!}} RSF \|url=https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260128063103/https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia \|archive-date=2026-01-28}}</ref> Digital rights advocates warned that the Act's implementation occurs against a backdrop of declining press freedom and increasing restrictions on online expression.<ref name=":2" />

	Critics argued that the definition of harmful content is broadly worded and open to interpretation, potentially leading platforms to over-censor content to avoid ~~penalties of up to RM10 million~~.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Zolkepli \|first=Farik \|date=2025-12-13 \|title=Online Safety Act 2025 welcomed but concerns remain over rights and privacy \|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/13/online-safety-act-2025-welcomed-but-concerns-remain-over-rights-and-privacy \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260124093758/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/13/online-safety-act-2025-welcomed-but-concerns-remain-over-right \|archive-date=2026-01-24 \|access-date=2026-03-03 \|website=The Star}}</ref> Legal experts noted that terms like "harmful to society" lack precise legal definitions, creating uncertainty for both platforms and users about what content is permissible.<ref name=":13" />		Critics argued that the definition of harmful content is broadly worded and open to interpretation, potentially leading platforms to over-censor content to avoid the heavy fines.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Zolkepli \|first=Farik \|date=2025-12-13 \|title=Online Safety Act 2025 welcomed but concerns remain over rights and privacy \|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/13/online-safety-act-2025-welcomed-but-concerns-remain-over-rights-and-privacy \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260124093758/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/13/online-safety-act-2025-welcomed-but-concerns-remain-over-right \|archive-date=2026-01-24 \|access-date=2026-03-03 \|website=The Star}}</ref> Legal experts noted that terms like "harmful to society" lack precise legal definitions, creating uncertainty for both platforms and users about what content is permissible.<ref name=":13" />

	===Privacy and surveillance===		===Privacy and surveillance===

Raster: fix more citations (stopped at Government response). still grinding, but it's worth covering.

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fix more citations (stopped at Government response). still grinding, but it's worth covering.

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Raster: fix ARTICLE 19, CJI, Sinar Project cite

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fix ARTICLE 19, CJI, Sinar Project cite

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	===Freedom of expression===		===Freedom of expression===
	Civil society groups including the Centre for Independent Journalism, ARTICLE 19, and Sinar Project raised concerns that the Act grants excessive and largely unchecked powers to authorities to decide what content is considered "harmful", risking increased removal of lawful content.<ref name=":2" /> The groups argued that the broad definition of harmful content could be interpreted subjectively, potentially leading to censorship of legitimate political speech and criticism.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web \|last=~~[404!]~~ \|title= \|url=https://~~www.~~cijmalaysia.net/2025/12/statement-~~online~~-~~safety~~-~~act~~-2025/ \|~~url~~-~~status~~=~~dead~~}}</ref>		Civil society groups including the Centre for Independent Journalism, ARTICLE 19, and Sinar Project raised concerns that the Act grants excessive and largely unchecked powers to authorities to decide what content is considered "harmful", risking increased removal of lawful content.<ref name=":2" /> The groups argued that the broad definition of harmful content could be interpreted subjectively, potentially leading to censorship of legitimate political speech and criticism.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web \|last= \|date=2025-10-04 \|title=Copy of Press Statement on eKYC \|url=https://cijmalaysia.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Press-statement-on-eKYC.pdf \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260302044014/https://cijmalaysia.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Press-statement-on-eKYC.pdf \|archive-date=2026-03-02 \|access-date= \|website=Centre for Independent Journalism}}</ref>

	Malaysia's position on the World Press Freedom Index dropped from 73rd in 2023 to 107th in 2024, reflecting growing concerns about shrinking civic spaces.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Malaysia {{!}} RSF \|url=https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260128063103/https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia \|archive-date=2026-01-28}}</ref> Digital rights advocates warned that the Act's implementation occurs against a backdrop of declining press freedom and increasing restrictions on online expression.<ref name=":2" />		Malaysia's position on the World Press Freedom Index dropped from 73rd in 2023 to 107th in 2024, reflecting growing concerns about shrinking civic spaces.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Malaysia {{!}} RSF \|url=https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260128063103/https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia \|archive-date=2026-01-28}}</ref> Digital rights advocates warned that the Act's implementation occurs against a backdrop of declining press freedom and increasing restrictions on online expression.<ref name=":2" />

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	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
			[[Category:Legislation in Asia]]
			[[Category:Malaysian legislations]]
			[[Category:Malaysia]]

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	Regarding age verification concerns, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching emphasized that the regulatory sandbox approach would allow testing of different age verification methods to balance child protection with privacy considerations.<ref name=":10" /> She stated that the government remains open to feedback from stakeholders and would consider privacy-preserving alternatives if they prove effective.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-11-18 \|title=BERNAMA - Mic To Set Up Aimst College, Hospital \|url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226171651/https://bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 \|archive-date=2024-02-26}}</ref>		Regarding age verification concerns, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching emphasized that the regulatory sandbox approach would allow testing of different age verification methods to balance child protection with privacy considerations.<ref name=":10" /> She stated that the government remains open to feedback from stakeholders and would consider privacy-preserving alternatives if they prove effective.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-11-18 \|title=BERNAMA - Mic To Set Up Aimst College, Hospital \|url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226171651/https://bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 \|archive-date=2024-02-26}}</ref>

	The government rejected characterizations of the Act as authoritarian or censorious, arguing that democratic societies worldwide are grappling with how to balance online safety with free expression, and that Malaysia's approach is proportionate to the harms being addressed.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=[404!] \|title= \|url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2246789 \|url-status=dead}}</ref> Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that the government welcomes constructive dialogue about implementation but remains committed to protecting Malaysians from online harms.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=[404!] \|title= \|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/20/fahmi-government-committed-to-online-safety \|url-status=dead}}</ref>		The government rejected characterizations of the Act as authoritarian or censorious, arguing that democratic societies worldwide are grappling with how to balance online safety with free expression, and that Malaysia's approach is proportionate to the harms being addressed.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=[404!] \|title= \|url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2246789 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260213213743/https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2246789 \|archive-date=13 Feb 2026}}</ref> Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that the government welcomes constructive dialogue about implementation but remains committed to protecting Malaysians from online harms.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=[404!] \|title= \|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/20/fahmi-government-committed-to-online-safety \|url-status=dead}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}

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	--><!-- < Original Sentence: with police operations uncovering hundreds of thousands of files containing child sexual abuse material. [citation needed - Sentence mixes two different sources together?] -->		--><!-- < Original Sentence: with police operations uncovering hundreds of thousands of files containing child sexual abuse material. [citation needed - Sentence mixes two different sources together?] -->

	Between January 2024 and November 2025, major platforms removed 92% of 697,061 harmful posts flagged by Malaysian authorities, but 58,104 posts remained accessible online.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Raja Reza \|first=Danish \|date=2026-02-04 \|title=What the Online Safety Act changes, and how it works \|url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/02/04/what-the-online-safety-act-changes-and-how-it-works \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://~~archive~~.is/~~OErTu~~ \|archive-date=2026~~-02-11~~ \|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=Free Malaysia Today}}</ref> These ongoing challenges prompted the Malaysian government to introduce the Online Safety Act 2025 to strengthen platform accountability for harmful content and protect Malaysian internet users, particularly children.<ref>{{Cite web \|last= \|date=2026-01-01 \|title=Enforcement of Online Safety Act takes effect, strengthening online protections for children and families, says MCMC \|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112004727/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 \|archive-date=12 Jan 2026\|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=Malay Mail}}</ref>		Between January 2024 and November 2025, major platforms removed 92% of 697,061 harmful posts flagged by Malaysian authorities, but 58,104 posts remained accessible online.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Raja Reza \|first=Danish \|date=2026-02-04 \|title=What the Online Safety Act changes, and how it works \|url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/02/04/what-the-online-safety-act-changes-and-how-it-works \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222223059/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/02/04/what-the-online-safety-act-changes-and-how-it-works \|archive-date=22 Feb 2026\|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=Free Malaysia Today}}</ref> These ongoing challenges prompted the Malaysian government to introduce the Online Safety Act 2025 to strengthen platform accountability for harmful content and protect Malaysian internet users, particularly children.<ref>{{Cite web \|last= \|date=2026-01-01 \|title=Enforcement of Online Safety Act takes effect, strengthening online protections for children and families, says MCMC \|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112004727/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 \|archive-date=12 Jan 2026\|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=Malay Mail}}</ref>

	==Key provision==		==Key provision==

Bananabot: Re-archived 5 citation(s) from archive.today to web.archive.org using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-22T22:32:32Z

Re-archived 5 citation(s) from archive.today to web.archive.org using CRWCitationBot

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:32, 22 February 2026
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	\|Description=Malaysian law requiring platforms with 8M+ users to remove harmful content. Critics cite censorship concerns; government says it targets platforms, no		\|Description=Malaysian law requiring platforms with 8M+ users to remove harmful content. Critics cite censorship concerns; government says it targets platforms, no
	}}		}}
	The '''Online Safety Act 2025''' ('''Act 866''') is Malaysian legislation that came into force on January 1, 2026, requiring social media and messaging platforms with over 8 million Malaysian users to remove harmful content and implement safety measures.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web \|last= \|first= \|date=2026-01-02 \|title=Online Safety Act comes into force to protect users \|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/02/online-safety-act-comes-into-force-to-protect-users \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://~~archive~~.is/~~baPUk~~ \|archive-date=2026~~-02-11~~ \|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=The Star}}</ref> The Act targets nine categories of harmful content including child sexual abuse material and financial fraud, with platforms facing fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance. <ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|title=ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf \|url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101142253/https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf \|archive-date=2026-01-01 \|website=MCMC}}</ref> Civil society groups have raised concerns about potential censorship and surveillance, while the government maintains the Act targets platform accountability rather than individual users.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web \|last= \|title=Malaysia: Concerns with the Online Safety Bill 2024 \|url=https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-bill/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://~~archive~~.is/~~lun8S~~ \|archive-date=~~2026-02-11~~ \|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=Article 19}}</ref>		The '''Online Safety Act 2025''' ('''Act 866''') is Malaysian legislation that came into force on January 1, 2026, requiring social media and messaging platforms with over 8 million Malaysian users to remove harmful content and implement safety measures.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web \|last= \|first= \|date=2026-01-02 \|title=Online Safety Act comes into force to protect users \|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/02/online-safety-act-comes-into-force-to-protect-users \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260107212302/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/02/online-safety-act-comes-into-force-to-protect-users \|archive-date=7 Jan 2026\|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=The Star}}</ref> The Act targets nine categories of harmful content including child sexual abuse material and financial fraud, with platforms facing fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance. <ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|title=ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf \|url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101142253/https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf \|archive-date=2026-01-01 \|website=MCMC}}</ref> Civil society groups have raised concerns about potential censorship and surveillance, while the government maintains the Act targets platform accountability rather than individual users.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web \|last= \|title=Malaysia: Concerns with the Online Safety Bill 2024 \|url=https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-bill/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250810034315/https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-bill/ \|archive-date=10 Aug 2025\|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=Article 19}}</ref>

	==Background==		==Background==
	Between January and November 2025, Malaysian police recorded RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web \|last=Bernama \|date=2025-12-08 \|title=Online scams cost Malaysians over RM2.7bil as of November \|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/08/online-scams-cost-malaysians-over-rm27bil-as-of-november \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://~~archive~~.is/~~9Lzle~~ \|archive-date=2026~~-02-11~~ \|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=The Star}}</ref> A UNICEF study identified more than 100,000 children in Malaysia at risk of online sexual exploitation.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Harry Beaty \|first=Gloria \|last2=Salehuddin \|first2=Sufea \|date=2024-12-02 \|title=The growing threat of online child exploitation \|url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2024/12/02/the-growing-threat-of-online-child-exploitation/ \|url-status=live \|website=The Malaysian Reserve}}</ref><!-- < TMR resists archiving tools --> <!-- Original 404! reference in case it gives context: [404!]. https://www.unicef.org/malaysia/press-releases/unicef-malaysia-online-child-safety-report		Between January and November 2025, Malaysian police recorded RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web \|last=Bernama \|date=2025-12-08 \|title=Online scams cost Malaysians over RM2.7bil as of November \|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/08/online-scams-cost-malaysians-over-rm27bil-as-of-november \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260122015417/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/08/online-scams-cost-malaysians-over-rm27bil-as-of-november \|archive-date=22 Jan 2026\|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=The Star}}</ref> A UNICEF study identified more than 100,000 children in Malaysia at risk of online sexual exploitation.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Harry Beaty \|first=Gloria \|last2=Salehuddin \|first2=Sufea \|date=2024-12-02 \|title=The growing threat of online child exploitation \|url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2024/12/02/the-growing-threat-of-online-child-exploitation/ \|url-status=live \|website=The Malaysian Reserve}}</ref><!-- < TMR resists archiving tools --> <!-- Original 404! reference in case it gives context: [404!]. https://www.unicef.org/malaysia/press-releases/unicef-malaysia-online-child-safety-report

	--><!-- < Original Sentence: with police operations uncovering hundreds of thousands of files containing child sexual abuse material. [citation needed - Sentence mixes two different sources together?] -->		--><!-- < Original Sentence: with police operations uncovering hundreds of thousands of files containing child sexual abuse material. [citation needed - Sentence mixes two different sources together?] -->

	Between January 2024 and November 2025, major platforms removed 92% of 697,061 harmful posts flagged by Malaysian authorities, but 58,104 posts remained accessible online.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Raja Reza \|first=Danish \|date=2026-02-04 \|title=What the Online Safety Act changes, and how it works \|url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/02/04/what-the-online-safety-act-changes-and-how-it-works \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.is/OErTu \|archive-date=2026-02-11 \|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=Free Malaysia Today}}</ref> These ongoing challenges prompted the Malaysian government to introduce the Online Safety Act 2025 to strengthen platform accountability for harmful content and protect Malaysian internet users, particularly children.<ref>{{Cite web \|last= \|date=2026-01-01 \|title=Enforcement of Online Safety Act takes effect, strengthening online protections for children and families, says MCMC \|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://~~archive~~.is/~~ksNvz~~ \|archive-date=2026~~-02-11~~ \|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=Malay Mail}}</ref>		Between January 2024 and November 2025, major platforms removed 92% of 697,061 harmful posts flagged by Malaysian authorities, but 58,104 posts remained accessible online.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Raja Reza \|first=Danish \|date=2026-02-04 \|title=What the Online Safety Act changes, and how it works \|url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/02/04/what-the-online-safety-act-changes-and-how-it-works \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.is/OErTu \|archive-date=2026-02-11 \|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=Free Malaysia Today}}</ref> These ongoing challenges prompted the Malaysian government to introduce the Online Safety Act 2025 to strengthen platform accountability for harmful content and protect Malaysian internet users, particularly children.<ref>{{Cite web \|last= \|date=2026-01-01 \|title=Enforcement of Online Safety Act takes effect, strengthening online protections for children and families, says MCMC \|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112004727/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 \|archive-date=12 Jan 2026\|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=Malay Mail}}</ref>

	==Key provision==		==Key provision==
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	Based on the 8 million user threshold, major platforms subject to the Act include:		Based on the 8 million user threshold, major platforms subject to the Act include:

	*'''Facebook''': With 31.3 million users (88.2% of population)<ref name=":6">{{Cite web \|title=Social Media Users in Malaysia - 2025 {{!}} NapoleonCat \|url=https://stats.napoleoncat.com/social-media-users-in-malaysia/2025/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.is/~~pZcU4~~ \|archive-date=2026-02-11 \|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=NapoleonCat}}</ref>		*'''Facebook''': With 31.3 million users (88.2% of population)<ref name=":6">{{Cite web \|title=Social Media Users in Malaysia - 2025 {{!}} NapoleonCat \|url=https://stats.napoleoncat.com/social-media-users-in-malaysia/2025/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222223211/https://stats.napoleoncat.com/social-media-users-in-malaysia/2025/ \|archive-date=2026-02-11 \|access-date=2026-02-11 \|website=NapoleonCat}}</ref>
	*'''Instagram''': With 16.3 million users (46% of population)<ref name=":6" />		*'''Instagram''': With 16.3 million users (46% of population)<ref name=":6" />
	*'''Facebook Messenger''': With 23.8 million users (67.1% of population)<ref name=":6" />		*'''Facebook Messenger''': With 23.8 million users (67.1% of population)<ref name=":6" />

Raster: /* Categories of harmful content */ Add the Act itself (sixty six pages!?)

2026-02-22T06:09:12Z

Categories of harmful content: Add the Act itself (sixty six pages!?)

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:09, 22 February 2026
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	===Categories of harmful content===		===Categories of harmful content===
	The Act identifies nine categories of harmful content that platforms must address, including child sexual abuse material, financial fraud, harassment, incitement to violence or terrorism, and other harmful categories. Child sexual abuse and financial fraud are designated as "priority harmful content" subject to additional regulation and faster response requirements.<ref name=":0" /> <!-- < Page 3 of the FAQ. Not sure if this should be cited as Book -->		The Act identifies nine categories of harmful content that platforms must address including child sexual abuse material, financial fraud, harassment, incitement to violence or terrorism, and other harmful categories (exceptions are made for some educational content).<ref>{{Cite book \|url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act 866-Online Safety Act 2025.pdf \|title=Online Safety Act 2025 \|year=2025 \|publication-date=2025 \|pages=65-66 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213213744/https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf \|archive-date=2026-02-13 \|url-status=live}}</ref> Child sexual abuse and financial fraud are designated as "priority harmful content" subject to additional regulation and faster response requirements.<ref name=":0" /> <!-- < Page 3 of the FAQ. Not sure if this should be cited as Book -->

	===Platform obligations===		===Platform obligations===

Raster: remove "chilling effect" due to 404/tone

2026-02-21T13:07:03Z

remove "chilling effect" due to 404/tone

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:07, 21 February 2026
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	Youth advocacy organizations warned that blanket age restrictions fail to account for the legitimate educational and social benefits that young people derive from social media platforms, including access to educational content, creative communities, and mental health resources.{{CitationNeeded\|reason=which organizations?}}		Youth advocacy organizations warned that blanket age restrictions fail to account for the legitimate educational and social benefits that young people derive from social media platforms, including access to educational content, creative communities, and mental health resources.{{CitationNeeded\|reason=which organizations?}}

	===Enforcement challenges <!-- This section can probably be moved below -raster (I'd do it myself, but need to "get into the flow" to make an informed edit here) -->===		===Enforcement challenges<!-- This section can probably be moved below -raster (I'd do it myself, but need to "get into the flow" to make an informed edit here) -->===
	International experience suggests enforcement difficulties, with the UK's age verification requirements leading to sharp drops in traffic but users quickly finding workarounds through VPN services, which saw an 1,800% spike in UK sign-ups within three days of implementation.<ref name=":12" /> Technology experts noted that determined users, particularly tech-savvy teenagers, can often circumvent age verification systems through various methods including VPNs, fake IDs, or using accounts registered by adults.{{CitationNeeded\|reason=irrelevant citation, only compares to other countries doing the same >}}<ref name=":9" />		International experience suggests enforcement difficulties, with the UK's age verification requirements leading to sharp drops in traffic but users quickly finding workarounds through VPN services, which saw an 1,800% spike in UK sign-ups within three days of implementation.<ref name=":12" /> Technology experts noted that determined users, particularly tech-savvy teenagers, can often circumvent age verification systems through various methods including VPNs, fake IDs, or using accounts registered by adults.{{CitationNeeded\|reason=irrelevant citation, only compares to other countries doing the same >}}<ref name=":9" />

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	===Platform over-compliance and economic impact===		===Platform over-compliance and economic impact===
	Technology policy analysts warned that platforms might over-remove content to avoid hefty fines, leading to excessive censorship beyond what the law technically requires.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=[404!] \|title= \|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/20/platforms-may-over-censor-to-avoid-penalties \|url-status=dead}}</ref> This ~~"chilling effect"~~ could result in removal of legitimate speech, satire, artistic expression, and political commentary that does not actually violate the Act's provisions.<ref name=":14" />		Technology policy analysts warned that platforms might over-remove content to avoid hefty fines, leading to excessive censorship beyond what the law technically requires.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=[404!] \|title= \|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/20/platforms-may-over-censor-to-avoid-penalties \|url-status=dead}}</ref> This could result in removal of legitimate speech, satire, artistic expression, and political commentary that does not actually violate the Act's provisions.<ref name=":14" />

	Smaller platforms and Malaysian tech startups expressed concerns about compliance costs, noting that the requirement to submit Online Safety Plans, implement content moderation systems, and provide user safety tools could create barriers to entry that favor large international platforms.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=[404!] \|title= \|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/12/18/local-platforms-worry-about-compliance-costs \|url-status=dead}}</ref> Industry representatives warned this could stifle Malaysia's digital economy and innovation in the tech sector.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=[404!] \|title= \|url=https://www.medianama.com/2025/12/223-malaysia-online-safety-act-platform-compliance-challenges/ \|url-status=dead}}</ref>		Smaller platforms and Malaysian tech startups expressed concerns about compliance costs, noting that the requirement to submit Online Safety Plans, implement content moderation systems, and provide user safety tools could create barriers to entry that favor large international platforms.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=[404!] \|title= \|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/12/18/local-platforms-worry-about-compliance-costs \|url-status=dead}}</ref> Industry representatives warned this could stifle Malaysia's digital economy and innovation in the tech sector.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=[404!] \|title= \|url=https://www.medianama.com/2025/12/223-malaysia-online-safety-act-platform-compliance-challenges/ \|url-status=dead}}</ref>