Malaysia is emerging as an active participant in the global effort to regulate online safety, particularly around age assurance on social media platforms. As countries such as Australia, the European Union, and the United Kingdom advance legislation aimed at protecting minors online, Malaysia has begun shaping a similar regulatory framework. In this context, Mimos Berhad’s My Blockchain Infrastructure, commonly known as MBI, has formally endorsed a blockchain-based age verification solution developed by Zetrix.
The endorsement reflects Malaysia’s intention to adopt technology-driven safeguards as discussions around digital safety gain momentum nationwide. Authorities have increasingly emphasized the need to protect young users from harmful online content, aligning domestic policy direction with international regulatory trends.
Regulatory Developments in Malaysia
Toward the end of last year, Malaysia announced plans to introduce age assurance requirements for social media platforms, including restrictions that would prevent users under the age of 16 from holding accounts. These proposed measures marked a significant shift in how the country approaches child protection in digital environments. Beginning January 1, regulators launched a dedicated sandbox environment designed to test online safety and child protection mechanisms under controlled conditions before broader implementation.
Within this evolving framework, MBI’s support for Zetrix’s solution signals a preference for privacy-conscious technologies that can scale nationally. Policymakers have been exploring tools that not only meet regulatory objectives but also minimize risks associated with data misuse and over-collection.
MBI’s Role in National Digital Infrastructure
MBI operates Malaysia’s national blockchain infrastructure initiative under the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. The program is overseen by Mimos, the country’s research and development agency, and was developed in collaboration with Zetrix. This infrastructure underpins the MyDigital ID Superapp, which builds upon Malaysia’s existing digital identity system and serves as a foundation for multiple government-backed digital services.
By endorsing Zetrix’s age verification method, MBI has emphasized that age assurance must be implemented in a responsible manner. Leadership at MBI has indicated that blockchain-based verification offers a practical, privacy-first approach that helps platform operators comply with safety obligations while reducing unnecessary exposure of personal information.
How the Blockchain Age Verification Works
Under the proposed model, users would be able to confirm their age across multiple platforms without repeatedly submitting identity documents or sensitive personal data. Initial verification would be conducted through government-approved digital identity services, such as MyDigital ID or the National Integrated Immigration System. Once verified, the system generates a form of age credential that functions like a token, responding only with a confirmation or denial to age-related queries.
This structure is designed to ensure that platforms receive only the information required to meet age assurance rules, rather than full identity details. Zetrix has explained that the solution aligns regulatory compliance with strict data minimization principles, reducing long-term privacy risks for users.
Privacy, Data Protection, and Legal Oversight
The system places strong emphasis on data governance and lifecycle management. Sensitive materials used during identity verification, including electronic know-your-customer data, are not stored indefinitely. Instead, such information is securely deleted according to defined schedules or within agreed timeframes. This approach aims to limit the accumulation of high-risk personal data within digital systems.
Where legal obligations require regulatory or judicial access, the solution is designed to support legitimate processes through authorized and clearly governed channels. Any linkage between verification records and individual identities is subject to strict controls and due process, ensuring accountability without routine disclosure of personal information.
Setting a Regional Precedent
Malaysia’s endorsement of a blockchain-based age verification model positions the country as an early adopter of advanced digital safeguards in Asia. By combining regulatory oversight with decentralized technology, authorities are signaling an intent to balance child protection, platform accountability, and user privacy. As age assurance laws continue to evolve globally, Malaysia’s approach may serve as a reference point for other regional markets seeking scalable and privacy-conscious solutions.
