CYBERSECURITY and legal experts are urging the government to enforce tighter age verification mechanisms across social media platforms to address the growing threat of online child grooming and digital exploitation.
Chief Executive Officer of CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM), Datuk Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab, said implementing an electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) system would make it more difficult for perpetrators to create fake accounts and help authorities trace those abusing platforms for criminal purposes.
“In addition, eKYC can support enforcement of minimum age requirements for social media users, preventing children under 13 from registering accounts freely, in line with the policies of most global platforms,” he told Bernama.
This follows Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil’s announcement on Wednesday that Malaysia intends to make identity verification compulsory on all social media platforms to restrict underage access.
However, Amirudin warned the implementation must be handled with care, citing challenges related to integration costs for major platforms such as Meta and TikTok, as well as concerns about user privacy and accessibility.
“Predators typically use fake profiles or fabricated identities to build trust with minors online, often through gifts or compliments, before persuading them to share explicit images or meet in person,” he added.
Associate Professor Dr Sonny Zulhuda, Deputy Legal Adviser at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), agreed that eKYC could reduce fake accounts but stressed the need to balance safety with privacy.
“Children are the most vulnerable group, often providing personal information online without understanding the risks. If such data falls into the wrong hands, it could lead to identity theft or further digital exploitation,” he said.
As a safer alternative, Sonny proposed the government consider a ‘third-party age verification’ model being explored under the European Union’s Digital Services Act in countries such as France, Spain, Denmark, Greece, and Italy.
“In this model, user data is not sent directly to social media companies. Instead, an independent third party verifies the user’s age and only passes on a ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ status to the platform,” he said. “It’s more ethical and secure.”
Such a system, he added, ensures platforms avoid over-collecting data on underage users while still enforcing age restrictions.
Meanwhile, Assistant Professor Dr Hijaz Ridzwan, a psychiatrist at IIUM’s Faculty of Medicine, emphasised that preventative efforts must begin at home through open dialogue between parents and children.
“Parents must model healthy online behaviour and teach children how to interact safely on social media. Discussions should include setting boundaries and recognising warning signs of suspicious behaviour,” he said.
According to Hijaz, empathetic communication builds trust and makes children more likely to disclose discomforting encounters, forming the first line of defence against grooming and cyber-exploitation.
“The psychological impact of grooming can be severe and long-lasting. Victims often experience guilt, confusion, and trust issues, which may persist into adulthood, affecting self-worth and relationships,” he added. - October 17, 2025
