MCMC Introduces New ONSA Codes To Strengthen Online Safety Starting June 1
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will enforce two new codes under the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA) beginning June 1 as part of efforts to strengthen digital safety and curb the spread of harmful online content.
The two new codes — the Child Protection Code (CPC) and Risk Mitigation Code (RMC) — will require digital platform providers to take stricter action against harmful content while improving protections for children and vulnerable users online.
According to Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, both codes were developed following extensive engagement sessions with industry players, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, including a public consultation process held between February 12 and March 31.
“Through these codes, digital service providers are expected to assume greater responsibility in addressing harmful content on their platforms, particularly involving the protection of children and vulnerable users.
“The implementation approach is outcomes-based, providing service providers with flexibility to adopt solutions that align with safety, privacy and legal requirements,” the commission said in a statement today.
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said the implementation of the CPC and RMC forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to create a safer digital environment, especially for children and families.
The commission added that the measures are expected to strengthen public confidence among parents as digital risks continue to become more complex.
Under the Child Protection Code (CPC), platform providers will be required to implement a safety-by-design approach.
This includes restricting account registration and ownership for individuals under the age of 16, introducing age-appropriate protections and limiting certain features that may expose children to exploitative or harmful content.
The code is also intended to reduce children’s exposure to exploitation, cyberbullying, sexual threats and other forms of harmful online material.
Meanwhile, the Risk Mitigation Code (RMC) will require digital platforms to implement proactive and comprehensive measures aimed at reducing risks associated with harmful online content.
The measures include conducting regular risk assessments, strengthening content governance systems, improving reporting and response mechanisms, implementing advertiser verification processes and labelling manipulated or AI-generated content.
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said service providers will be given a reasonable implementation period to ensure compliance and verification processes can be carried out in an orderly manner.
The introduction of the two codes is seen as one of the government’s most significant regulatory efforts to strengthen online safety amid rising concerns over harmful content, misinformation, cyber harassment and threats targeting children across digital platforms.
