KUALA LUMPUR: Experts believe that the introduction of a new regulatory framework requiring social media and online messaging platforms to apply for a licence is a significant step in addressing the challenges posed by these platforms.

Universiti Sains Malaysia's cybersecurity expert Associate Professor Dr Selvakumar Manickam said the framework would likely lead to stricter content moderation policies and increased efforts to combat cybercrime, online fraud, cyberbullying and sexual crimes against children.

He said the framework must be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it was comprehensive and effective as the threat landscape evolved very rapidly.

"The framework could be improved by requiring social media platforms to publish regular transparency reports detailing their efforts to combat cybercrime and protect Malaysian users.

"The framework could mandate and enforce robust security standards for the platforms to protect user data and prevent breaches," he told the New Straits Times. 

However, Selvakumar said with the framework, social media platforms and Internet messaging services would have to adjust their operations to align with the Malaysian context.

"They will be required to invest in content moderation systems mandated by local laws, enhancing their capabilities to detect and remove harmful content.

"This could lead to increased operational costs and potential challenges in maintaining user engagement, especially if certain content or features are deemed non-compliant.

"However, it also allows these platforms to build greater trust and credibility among Malaysian users," he said. 

Meanwhile, cCybersecurity expert C.F. Fong Choong Fook echoed the need for the framework, stating that licensing was an effective way to ensure social media operators complied with regulatory requirements.

Fong, who is executive chairman of computer security service provider LGMS Bhd, said the licencing requirements would certainly impose certain controls on social media platform operators. when there were licensing requirements. 

"At least we now have a guideline to refer to when you want to battle against cybercrime and cyberbullying. 

"However, the biggest challenge is not so much on the framework, but the regulation enforcement, whether our law enforcers are trained about the regulatory framework," he said. 

Meanwhile, He said the government should raise awareness amongst operators, law enforcement officers and users of social media about the new framework.

"It is important to know about this framework so the operators understand their rights and the compliance requirements they need to follow," he said.

In a statement on Saturday (July 27), the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said this is part of a new regulatory framework to ensure a safer online ecosystem.

MCMC said the licence requirement will be enforced from Jan 1, next year.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/1082685/experts-say-content-moderation-may-become-strict