The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is finalising a proposal to mandate social media platforms and internet messaging service providers to obtain a license, with the licensing framework currently in the final stages of development.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching claims that this initiative aims to bolster online safety and tackle content that breaches national laws. Teo emphasised that this approach aligns with global trends and is not designed to curb media freedom, according to The Edge Malaysia.
Teo stressed that licensing will bolster consumer protection by shielding users from online scams and harmful content, thereby ensuring a secure and trustworthy online sphere.
Previously, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that the government currently has no intentions of drafting a specific act aimed at regulating social media platforms.
He emphasised that there have been no official announcements regarding such legislation and expressed his surprise at the notion of a social media platform regulation act.
The government doesn’t remove social media content directly
Teo also refuted allegations suggesting that the government directly instructs social media providers to remove contentious content from their platforms. She clarified that providers make independent judgments based on their community guidelines upon receiving complaints.
Teo highlighted that from 1 January to 1 March 2024, 14% of complaints lodged by MCMC to social media platform providers for content removal were declined. This rejection indicates that decisions regarding content removal aren’t solely under MCMC’s jurisdiction.
She further explained that among the 86% of content removed by platform providers following MCMC’s requests, the majority pertained to issues like gambling, scams, and fake news
