fbpx
Connect with us

News

“Unclear guidelines” – Meta Criticises M’sian Govt’s Decision to Require Social Media License by January

Published

collage 3 4
Source: Reuters & Facebook | Fahmi Fadzil

Follow us on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest stories and updates daily.

Malaysia announced in July that social media and messaging platforms with over 8 million users would need to get a license, with the aim of cracking down on issues like financial scams, cyberbullying, and online sexual crimes.

Reuters reported that Meta Platforms officially spoke out on Wednesday, slamming Malaysia’s plan to make social media platforms apply for a regulatory license by January.

45329 88208 Meta Logo
Source: Appleinsider

For illustration purposes only

 

Tech companies must follow local laws to keep operating

Meta pointed out that the proposal is unclear on guidelines and barely gives social media companies any time to comply, which could hurt digital innovation and growth in Malaysia. Furthermore, Meta could be facing legal action if they don’t comply by January 1, 2025.

The plan has faced some backlash, with an Asian industry group that includes Meta asking the government back in August to hold off on the move.

Malaysia has made it clear that the proposed regulations won’t be delayed, with Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stating that tech companies must follow local laws to keep operating in the country.

Screenshot 2024 10 31 100809
Source: Reuters

For illustration purposes only

Meta’s director of public policy for Southeast Asia, Rafael Frankel, said the company hasn’t yet decided whether to apply for the license by the January deadline since the new regulations aren’t fully clear.

He continued to explain how these kinds of regulations take a couple of years and go through a few rounds of changes to make sure they’re set up right.

For illustration purposes only

He also spoke to Reuters that the timeline to apply for the license was “exceptionally accelerated,” and it’s still not clear what social media companies would be required to do under the plan.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday after meeting with Meta reps the day before, Communications Minister Fahmi thanked Meta for its willingness to work with the government but encouraged them to take stronger steps against content involving minors on their platforms.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments!

 

Also read: Meta Apologises for Auto-Translating ‘Junjung Kasih’ as ‘Condolences’ in FB Posts Congratulating YDPA

Feat Image Meta Apology

Follow us on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest stories and updates daily.



Just In

collage 38 1 collage 38 1
News7 hours ago

Woman in Terengganu Robs Senior Citizen with Vision Problems After Pretending to Look for a Place to Rent

The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is looking for a woman suspected of snatching an elderly woman’s gold necklace in a...

collage 37 1 collage 37 1
News8 hours ago

Married Man Caught Hiding Behind Curtains at His Girlfriend’s Home During Khalwat Raid in Kedah

A married man got caught on February 12 (today) in a ‘khalwat‘ raid at a house in Kampung Pondok Labu...

collage 49 collage 49
News8 hours ago

Nearly 1,000 Students in Johor Skip SPM as They Believe “they can secure high salary jobs in Singapore”

Some students happily skipped SPM examinations in the hope of becoming influencers, while others thought of surviving with the money...

collage 35 1 collage 35 1
News8 hours ago

Bus in Bangkok Skids Off Road & Gets Front End Tangled in Low-Hanging Cables 3 Metres Off the Ground

An unusual incident happened in Bangkok, Thailand, on February 10 when a bus was spotted hanging above the road, its...

collage 8 1 collage 8 1
News11 hours ago

Finance Ministry Addresses Claims That Vehicle Prices in Malaysia are Increasing Up to 30% Next Year

Are the prices of vehicles in Malaysia expected to go up to 30% in 2026? The Ministry of Finance (MOF),...

My Post 1 2025 02 12T120723.114 My Post 1 2025 02 12T120723.114
News11 hours ago

6yo Boy in Ampang Rushed to Hospital After Python Hiding in Toilet Bowl Bites Him When He Wanted to Pee

A 6-year-old boy was injured after getting bitten by a python when he was going to the toilet at his...

My Post 1 2025 02 12T113716.912 My Post 1 2025 02 12T113716.912
News12 hours ago

M’sian Couple Daringly Chase After Car Carrying 3 Men Who Fired 6 Gunshots at Their Home in Johor

A married couple decided to chase down a car carrying 3 suspects who fired 6 gunshots in front of their...

collage 34 1 collage 34 1
News12 hours ago

Indonesian Man Dies as Untreated Cavity Causes Severe Infection That Spreads to His Neck & Shoulders

A man in Indonesia, Firmasyah, sadly passed away from a severe infection caused by an untreated cavity after it was...

Announcement

Latest Videos



TRENDING TODAY