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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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