Malaysia’s plans to license social media platforms in the country have attracted the attention of several countries. This is according to communications minister Fahmi Fadzil, who stated that the United Kingdom’s communications regulatory body, Ofcom, contacted the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to find out more about the implementation of the initiative.
The minister added that even Singapore has asked about the licensing process. “I believe that when we chair Asean 2025, more (countries) will want to know the achievements and what we have managed to do based on the licensing process that will come into effect on Jan 1, 2025,” he said.
Regarding Ofcom’s overture, Fahmi commented that this is the first time that a western regulatory body has contacted Malaysia to ask about the licensing process, as it is an issue that the UK has been struggling to solve. “So we might be the first mover on this issue because on average many governments around the world feel that these big technology companies can no longer do as they please to accumulate wealth and not follow rules and laws… those days will soon be over,” said the Unity Government spokesperson.
The government was reportedly mulling over a social media licensing initiative back in June, which was apparently met with pushback from platform owners as well as civil society. Last month, the MCMC then announced that any social media or internet messaging service with more than eight million users would be required to apply for a licence by 1 January 2025.
For non-compliance, Fahmi said that service providers can be fined not more than RM500,000 or five years in prison or both, in addition to a fine of RM1,000 per day or part of the day as long as the offence continues.
(Source: The Star)
