IPOH: The government is taking measures to combat the spread of dangerous information on social media, which includes implementing certain unpopular restrictions.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that new regulations had been introduced to tackle issues such as fake news, fraud, and cyberbullying on social media in the country.

"We are facing a proliferation of information. The government now has the challenge of introducing some restrictions, which may not be popular.

"Those who advocate unbridled freedom believe we have every right to express our views regardless of their impact on society, ignoring the fact that some individuals, particularly girls, are compelled or forced to commit suicide due to harassment.

"The challenge is to impose order - not unbridled freedom or capitalism - but to prioritise values over individual expression for the peace and welfare of society," he said during his speech at the 7th World Conference on Islamic Thought and Civilisation (WCIT) at Hotel Casuarina@Meru today.

The three-day event was officiated by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah. Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Menteri Besar of Perak, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

Yesterday, Zahid announced that the federal government would ban any social media and online messaging platforms that refuse to comply with licensing requirements. 

These bans will take effect from Jan 1 next year, following the announcement of a new regulatory framework for social media and online messaging platforms starting Aug 1. 

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/1083382/govt-rolls-out-unpopular-social-media-restrictions-fight-misinformation