Regulation of Online Platforms in Malaysia: Meta and Other Tech Giants Under Scrutiny
The Malaysian government has been taking steps to regulate online platforms and ensure compliance with local laws, including the handling of content moderation and user data. As part of this effort, social media platforms with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia are required to obtain an application service provider class licence.
Meta to Obtain Licence Soon
According to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is expected to obtain its application service provider class licence soon. Fahmi revealed that Meta submitted the required documents yesterday and that the ministry is currently processing them.
"It won’t be long (before they are licensed)," Fahmi told reporters after launching a WhatsApp chatbot to help users confirm the veracity of information on the platform. The chatbot will be accessible through WhatsApp and available in English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil.
Other Tech Giants Under Review
Fahmi also announced that the compliance status of other tech giants like Google, Microsoft (which owns LinkedIn), and X (formerly Twitter) is under review by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). "Several matters are being followed up on by MCMC regarding these companies," he said.
Licensing Process
The licensing process is part of Malaysia’s efforts to regulate online platforms and ensure compliance with local laws. While Google previously argued that it was not a social media platform, Fahmi pointed out that certain parts of its YouTube platform functioned like social media, similar to TikTok.
Previous Licensing Developments
On January 1, it was reported that Tencent (WeChat) and ByteDance (TikTok) had obtained licences to operate in Malaysia under the newly introduced licensing requirements for internet messaging service and social media service providers. Social media and messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia are required to have the licence effective January 1.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Malaysian government’s efforts to regulate online platforms are aimed at ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations. The licensing process is a key step in achieving this goal, and it is expected that Meta and other tech giants will comply with the requirements. As the online landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for governments and online platforms to work together to ensure a safe and responsible online environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the licensing process?
The licensing process is intended to regulate online platforms and ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. - Which social media platforms are required to obtain a licence?
Social media and messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia are required to obtain a licence. - Which companies have obtained licences to operate in Malaysia?
Tencent (WeChat) and ByteDance (TikTok) have obtained licences to operate in Malaysia under the newly introduced licensing requirements for internet messaging service and social media service providers. - What is the current status of other tech giants like Google and Meta?
The compliance status of Google, Microsoft, and X (formerly Twitter) is under review by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).