Fahmi…the social media licensing framework is a vital tool in the ongoing battle against the darker side of the internet.
KUALA LUMPUR : – Seven months into the implementation of new regulations requiring social media firms to be licensed, the good news is clear: citizens’ access to digital services remains unhindered.
When the matter was brought to Parliament previously, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil had reassured that these regulations, effective January 1, 2025, were designed to enhance online safety without restricting user freedoms.
While initial fears about potential infringements on media freedom were raised, the core intent of this licensing requirement has always been paramount: –
to create a safer online ecosystem and actively combat the pervasive abuses that plague the digital sphere.
The mandate for social media service providers to obtain an Application Service Provider Class Licence (ASP(C)) under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) is a critical step in this direction.
Minister Fahmi has consistently emphasized that this licensing is fundamentally about accountability.
“The licensing is to ensure service providers are responsible and play a crucial role in addressing harmful content, such as online fraud, sexual crimes, and cyberbullying,” he stated.
This isn’t about controlling speech; it’s about compelling platforms to fulfill their responsibility in protecting users from genuine harm.
The balance between regulatory needs and the protection of freedom of speech and information is precisely what these regulations aim to strike.
The implementation of this framework directly targets the alarming rise of online criminal issues.
Minister Fahmi previously assured that this move would not stifle innovation or development, and importantly, it would not affect the everyday users of internet messaging and social media services.
“Only service providers are required to obtain the relevant license from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Users will continue to enjoy a safer digital experience,” he reaffirmed.
In essence, the social media licensing framework is a vital tool in the ongoing battle against the darker side of the internet.
It underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that our vibrant digital landscape is not a breeding ground for fraud, exploitation, and harassment.
By holding service providers accountable, Malaysia is taking a significant stride towards making the online world a more secure and trustworthy space for everyone