PETALING JAYA: As part of a new regulatory framework to ensure a safer online ecosystem, social media and online messaging platforms with at least eight million users in Malaysia will be required to apply for a licence from the government from Aug 1.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said failure to obtain a Class Licence for Application Service Providers under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 after the effective date would be an offence and that appropriate legal action could be taken.

But while the licensing framework would be a good step forward, there would be hurdles to its implementation, said cybersecurity specialist Fong Choong Fook when contacted yesterday.

“The biggest hurdle is enforcement and whether the enforcement officers are well versed on the matter or even well trained to handle the issues involved,” Fong said, adding that additional measures such as raising awareness of the regulations among the public was also crucial.

“Social media users must know their rights and the compliance measures that social media platforms and messaging service operators must follow.

“This would give them the opportunity to make the operators accountable and to request for posts to be taken down and so on.”

Certified fraud examiner Raymon Ram, who manages cybersecurity governance and data privacy frameworks for companies, said MCMC’s new regulatory framework was a step forward in enhancing online safety, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and families.

Raymon said the move was also aligned with global practices, as seen in countries such as Australia and Canada, which have implemented regulations to ensure digital platforms are accountable for the content they host.

“This move not only protects users but also positions Malaysia as a leader in digital safety, setting a precedent for other nations as the framework aims to balance the benefits of digital connectivity with the need for robust safeguards within the digital space,” he added.

Raymon said it is timely for Malaysia to address the rising cybercrime cases, such as online scams, cyberbullying and sexual exploitation of children.

“The MCMC’s initiative is a direct response to these threats, aiming to create a safer online ecosystem by holding platforms to higher standards of accountability and compliance.

“By requiring licences, the MCMC ensures platforms actively engage in preventing the misuse of their services for illegal activities, promoting a safer digital environment.

“The engagement with major platforms like Meta and Google signifies a collaborative approach, essential for effective implementation and enforcement,” he said when contacted.

The Star has also reached out to relevant stakeholders such as TikTok but has yet to receive any response from them at press time.

The enforcement is effective on Jan 1 next year.

MCMC said the licensing requirement was in line with the Cabinet’s decision that social media services and Internet messaging services must comply with Malaysian laws.

The commission said these services were previously exempted from licensing requirements based on the Communications and Multimedia (Licensing) (Exemption) Order 2000.

“This new regulatory framework only applies to services that meet the licensing eligibility criteria and does not involve their users,” it said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/28/new-framework-a-step-forward-in-digital-safety-say-experts