Advertisers on Social Media Must Verify Identities in Fight Against Scammers

MELAKA, May 31 — All advertisers using sponsored advertisements on social media platforms will be required to verify their identities under new measures aimed at combating online fraud, digital gambling and identity misuse. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the requirement forms part of the Risk Mitigation Code (RMC), which comes into force on June 1 under the Online Safety Act 2025.

She said the new rules will apply to licensed social media platforms with more than eight million users in Malaysia.

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According to Teo, scammers have frequently used images of prominent individuals in sponsored advertisements to promote dubious investments, financial scams and online gambling activities, making enforcement difficult because the advertisers’ identities were often unknown.

Under the new framework, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission will require all advertisers, whether individuals or registered entities, to undergo identity verification before publishing sponsored content. Teo also urged platform providers to comply with the RMC and Child Protection Code to enhance online safety.

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