Malaysia’s ID checks for social media ads come into effect as part of measures against illegal gambling
The new rules require advertisers to verify their identities before publishing sponsored content.
Malaysia.- New requirements for advertising on social media platforms have come into force in Malaysia as part of the country’s efforts to curb illegal gambling, online fraud and the misuse of public figures’ identities. As of today, all advertisers that want to publish sponsored content on major social media platforms in the country must undergo identity verification.
The rules apply to ads posted on licensed social media platforms with more than eight million users in Malaysia, and the verification requirement applies to both individuals and registered businesses. The rule is specified in the Risk Mitigation Code (RMC), under Malaysia’s Online Safety Act 2025.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the requirement is intended to address growing concerns over sponsored advertisements promoting suspicious investment schemes, financial scams and illegal online gambling. Authorities have faced difficulties in investigating such advertisements because the people funding them were often unknown.
The move follows increasing regulatory scrutiny of gambling-related content on social media in Malaysia. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil reported that a significant majority of the content removed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission since January was linked to online scams and gambling-related activity.
