Protecting children from cybercrime and misuse of personal data requires cross-border regulatory solutions, stronger parental digital literacy, and platform accountability, according to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Attendees at the Ministers-Regulators Roundtable Meeting (MRRM), organized alongside M360 Asean 2026, arrived at this shared agreement.
Cross-Border Cooperation Needed for Online Safety
Online harms do not stop at national borders, according to Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil. Speaking at the MRRM, he stated that the borderless nature of digital threats demands closer cooperation among regulators and jurisdictions worldwide.
“Through the MRRM, we want to learn from different regulatory experiences, identify effective practical approaches and strengthen cooperation to better protect children online,” Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said. He added that the region’s diversity is a collective strength, but legal framework differences must not create exploitation opportunities.
Did you know? Australia’s eSafety Commissioner and the UK communications regulator Ofcom were among the global and regional policymakers and regulators convened by the MRRM to exchange best practices.
Platform Accountability and Regional Alignment
Platform providers responsible for creating online spaces must be accountable for user safety, according to Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil. Governments and regulators need to identify common ground to develop better-coordinated regional action.
While regulatory approaches differ between countries, all parties share the goal of creating a safe and trusted digital ecosystem, he noted. Malaysia’s rollout of the Online Safety Act 2025 and adherence to the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Safe and Responsible Use of Social Media Platforms for Asean served as the foundation for these talks.
Future of Regional Digital Trust
According to MCMC, the MRRM will persist in serving as a venue for policymakers and regulators to share experiences, address emerging concerns regarding online safety and digital trust, and investigate potential areas for practical collaboration on both regional and international fronts.
These discussions took place alongside M360 Asean 2026, organised by GSMA on September 9 and 10. Ministers, regulators, and industry figures gather at this program to tackle topics like artificial intelligence, regional digital integration, resilient infrastructure, and digital trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ministers-Regulators Roundtable Meeting (MRRM)?
The MRRM is a gathering of regional and international policymakers and regulators designed to share regulatory frameworks, address online harms, and enhance cross-jurisdictional cooperation.
Who organized M360 Asean 2026?
M360 Asean 2026 was organised by GSMA, with support from the Communications Ministry and co-hosted by MCMC.
What key legislation supports Malaysia’s online safety efforts?
The enforcement of the Online Safety Act 2025 and pledges tied to the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Safe and Responsible Use of Social Media Platforms for Asean provide the backing for Malaysia’s initiatives.
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