Malaysia’s MCMC is reviewing mechanisms to regulate online games like Roblox and OMI apps amid child safety concerns, minister says.
Rob:The Ministry of Communications is reviewing the best and fastest mechanism to regulate online video games through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
Minister Datuk Fahmy Fadzil confirmed that discussions have taken place with MCMC but no official decision has been taken yet as the matter is under assessment.
He announced that the Online Security Act will come into effect early next year to mandate social media platforms and online service providers to create a safer ecosystem.
Fahmi spoke to reporters after officiating a Pahang-level safe internet campaign at Sekolah Kebangsaan Raub Indah.
The ministry is assessing the need to license at least 10 types of online games, including Roblox, which is considered unsuitable for children under 16.
“We are studying the most appropriate and effective regulatory framework,” Fahmy said, requesting time before an official announcement.
He revealed he met with Roblox representatives following the incident where a nine-year-old boy seriously injured his six-year-old brother after allegedly being influenced by online gaming.
Fahmy personally banned his children from playing Roblox and removed the app from all home devices, urging parents to monitor children’s online activities.
The MCMC will also summon the developer of the OMI app, where a case of a 12-year-old girl allegedly being abused by a man she met through the platform has come to light.
“This app must come under regulatory oversight because we cannot allow the recurrence of such incidents,” Fahmy stressed.
He acknowledged that the challenge ranges from restricting social media access for people under 16 to ensuring proper age verification mechanisms.
Fahmy said platforms like Facebook and TikTok have their own mechanisms but they are inadequate for security purposes. – Bernama
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