KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is finalising a framework for licensing all social media platform service providers operating in the country.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching said said the proposal was in the process of being refined.
In reply to the initial question from Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli (BN-Jempol), Teo said the proposed licensing enforcement on online service providers is being refined, with MCMC in the process of completing the licensing framework.
"This licensing enforcement proposal is targeted at social media service providers and internet messaging services that can be accessed by users in Malaysia.
"This targeted licensing enforcement proposal is proportionate, considering the availability of highly harmful content on social media platforms and internet messaging services," Teo added.
She said the move would also increase online safety, especially for users of social media and internet messaging services from being exposed to online fraud and harmful content online.
"Besides that, users can also enjoy online services in a safe and reliable environment from online service providers."
Shamshulkahar also asked if the ministry has decided to require all social media platform service providers operating in the country to be registered with MCMC and ways to ensure that the move would not restrict media freedom.
Teo said from January 1 to March 1 this year, 14 per cent of the total takedown requests of social media content submitted by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) were rejected by social media platform providers.
This, Teo said as the social media platforms considered the posts as not violating their community guidelines.
"This shows that it is not solely MCMC's decision to take down social media content," she said in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli (BN-Jempol).
Teo added, "When MCMC receives complaints, be it from the public or other enforcement agencies, they will forward the complaints to the platform providers.
"The social media platform providers then will decide whether the complaints are against their community guidelines or not. If yes, the contents will be removed."
Shamshulkahar inquired about the guidelines adopted by MCMC in taking down social media content that are deemed not suitable.
On the Online Safety Act, Teo said the matter was being studied.
This, Teo said, followed the cabinet's decision for the ministry and the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) to study the need for the Online Safety Act.
"We have started with our discussion to enact the Online Safety Act.
"There is a possibility that the Bill to be brought to parliament in the next sitting," she said.
She said this in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat).
Mumtaz asked if the ministry had a plan to enact online safety laws, just like Australia.