Petaling Jaya: Lee Chean Chung Supports Social Media Licensing in Malaysia

Recent Joint Operations by PDRM and MCMC Lead to Arrests and Seizures

Lee Chean Chung, who serves as the PKR Communications Director, has expressed his support for the country to impose social media licensing on its providers in light of recent joint operations by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in six states. The operations resulted in 13 arrests of individuals aged 20 to 74 for possessing and distributing illegal content. Authorities also seized over 40,000 pieces of explicit material from computers, phones, and hard drives, with some suspects admitting to purchasing content through X and Telegram.

Widespread Online Sales of Imitation Gel-Blaster Guns Linked to Crimes

In a statement, Lee also pointed to a New Straits Times report revealing widespread online sales of imitation gel-blaster guns, which were linked to nearly 150 crimes last year. These weapons, prohibited under the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971, are being sold on platforms including TikTok live sessions for between RM150 and RM2,000.

Need for Regulation on Social Media Platforms

“While we have deep respect for the freedom of the media, we cannot allow such operations to thrive unchecked on social media platforms,” said Lee. He emphasized that licensing the platforms would make it easier for them to be regulated in such a way as to provide a more secure environment for Malaysians.

Regulatory Framework for Internet Messaging Service and Social Media Service Providers

Starting January 1, 2025, the “Regulatory Framework for Internet Messaging Service and Social Media Service Providers” will require social media platforms with over eight million Malaysian users to obtain an Applications Service Provider Class License under the Communications and Multimedia Act. This move aims to ensure that social media platforms are regulated and held accountable for the content they host.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lee’s statement highlights the need for social media platforms to be regulated in order to prevent the spread of illegal content and to ensure a safer online environment for Malaysians. The upcoming regulatory framework is a step in the right direction, and it is essential that social media platforms comply with the new requirements to avoid any legal consequences.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of social media licensing?
A: The purpose of social media licensing is to regulate social media platforms and ensure that they are held accountable for the content they host.

Q: What is the Regulatory Framework for Internet Messaging Service and Social Media Service Providers?
A: The Regulatory Framework is a new set of regulations that will require social media platforms with over eight million Malaysian users to obtain an Applications Service Provider Class License under the Communications and Multimedia Act.

Q: Why is social media licensing necessary?
A: Social media licensing is necessary to prevent the spread of illegal content, such as explicit material and imitation gel-blaster guns, and to ensure a safer online environment for Malaysians.

Q: When will the Regulatory Framework take effect?
A: The Regulatory Framework will take effect starting January 1, 2025.