Sharp, essential news and analysis from Malaysia.
A New Mexico court has ordered Meta to pay US$567 million to address harms to young people, marking a significant legal victory in the escalating battle over social media's impact on child mental health and safety.
Malaysia's Dewan Negara has approved the Communications and Multimedia Commission (Amendment) Bill 2026, strengthening the regulator's independence and digital enforcement capabilities. The measure bars politicians from chairing the commission and expands MCMC's role in combating online gambling and protecting digital infrastructure.
A central Chinese father has sued four major gaming companies including Tencent and NetEase, seeking stricter enforcement of youth protection measures following his son's prescription pill overdose linked to gaming addiction.
Australia's online safety regulator has filed Federal Court proceedings against Telegram, alleging the messaging platform failed to remove content promoting terrorism. The move signals tighter enforcement of digital platform accountability across the Asia-Pacific region.
Vietnam is developing regulations to restrict social media access for children under 16, including mandatory parental registration and content controls, joining global efforts to protect young users from online harms.
Malaysia's Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil has directed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and police to investigate a Threads account for allegedly insulting Prophet Muhammad. The minister also requested MCMC issue a public statement.
Thailand has introduced an urgent court process to rapidly block and remove illegal online content as authorities struggle with a dramatic surge in unlawful URLs from tens of thousands to millions.
Malaysia has launched the International Regulatory Conference 2026, a pivotal two-day gathering designed to reshape the nation's approach to digital regulation, artificial intelligence governance, and online safety in an era of rapid technological change.
A coordinated global movement to protect children from social media is accelerating, with five nations enforcing bans and dozens more enacting legislation. Malaysia's June restrictions are part of a worldwide trend reshaping digital access for minors.
Malaysia faces an ongoing tension between protecting children online and preserving freedom of expression, according to government and civil society leaders at an international regulatory conference.
Malaysia's communications regulator is advocating for consistent legal frameworks between the physical and digital worlds to better combat online threats, particularly those targeting children, as criminals exploit weaker digital regulations.
France is rushing to pass legislation banning social media use by children under 15, with Parliament's summer break approaching. The measure also restricts mobile phones in high schools and reflects growing global concern over youth mental health.
Southeast Asian nations are implementing new policies on education enrollment, strengthening border security operations, and addressing digital commerce challenges as the region continues economic development.
Google has capitulated in its antitrust dispute with US regulators, agreeing to allow third-party app stores to operate directly within its Play Store from mid-July, rather than forcing users to download them separately.
Malaysia's Islamic dakwah foundation YADIM has thrown its weight behind a government proposal to establish accreditation standards for religious preachers operating on online platforms, citing the need to protect public trust and prevent distortion of Islamic teachings in digital spaces.
The European Commission has accepted X's proposed remedial measures following a December 2025 fine for breaching transparency obligations and deceptive design practices under the EU's Digital Services Act.
Malaysia has tightened digital regulation in 2026 through AI safeguards, child protection measures, and cybercrime laws, even as consumers confront steeper technology costs amid global supply constraints.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has called for the Malaysian Media Council to be strengthened as a self-regulatory body, with government backing and expanded membership including social media platforms to address emerging media challenges.
Singapore's High Court has dismissed a six-year constitutional challenge brought by a rights group against a correction directive issued under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act, ruling the court cannot compel government intervention.
Malaysia's Communications Ministry is assessing how well licensed social media platforms comply with two new codes under the Online Safety Act 2025, which took effect in June. The evaluation focuses on protecting children and mitigating online risks.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the opposition's decision to delay parliamentary amendments that would strengthen enforcement of the country's ban on under-16s using social media platforms.
TikTok has settled a lawsuit brought by a Florida teenager alleging social media caused severe mental health problems. The agreement marks another milestone in mounting US litigation over addictive platform features targeting young users.
The Dewan Rakyat will debate the Online Safety Act 2025's subsidiary instruments, school safety measures, and assistance for micro-entrepreneurs affected by regional supply chain disruptions during today's sitting.
Emmanuel Macron and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus have urged governments worldwide to impose tighter regulations on digital platforms, citing growing concerns about their impact on children's wellbeing, mental health and data security.
Australia's competition regulator has filed court action against Amazon's local unit, claiming unfair contract terms allowed the company to introduce advertising to Prime Video subscriptions affecting more than one million annual subscribers.