PUTRAJAYA: The new regulatory framework for social media site and online messaging platform licensing only applies to platform operators, not to users and influencers, says Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi, who is also the unity government spokesman, said users are not required to obtain a licence, whereas only social media service providers are subject to this requirement.
"Some parties are sharing views that are far from the truth. I want to clarify that it applies to the service providers and not to the users or influencers.
"The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission will publish frequently asked questions to explain various issues.
"The FAQ will cover whether other countries have similar licensing systems, the steps users or platforms can take to appeal or seek clarification on directives and related issues," he said at a press conference here today.
From today until Dec 31, he said MCMC will engage with all stakeholders, including social media and online messaging platform providers, to define the code of conduct and determine the consequences for non-compliance with directives.
Fahmi said platforms without a license by January 2025 could face shutdowns under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588).
"Penalties under Section 126 of the Act include fines up to RM500,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both, and daily fines of RM1,000 for each day or part of a day the offense continues.
"This is an example of how the Communications and Multimedia Act will manage violations by licensees and those providing services without a license.
"Some have asked, for example, if Meta removes posts from the Prime Minister's official account and by licensing Meta, we can arbitrarily shut down Meta. The answer is no," Fahmi added.
He said the purpose of licensing is not to restrict freedom of speech, but is based on three issues: fraud, cyberbullying, and sexual crimes against children.
"These are the three main issues that form the basis for the government's actions. First, because of online fraud, which results in a substantial amount of money being lost each year.
"Second, cyberbullying, and third, sexual crimes against children, including the abuse of social media platforms by pedophiles.
"Among other reasons, reports from the (Police) Commercial Crime Investigation Department indicate that losses exceeded RM500 million on Facebook alone," he said.
When platforms are licensed, he said they must implement systems capable of combating these crimes.