KUALA LUMPUR: The government is in discussions with social media companies to develop a code of conduct.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the first round of discussions took place last Tuesday (Sept 3).
"We expect this discussion to continue and, by the end of October or November, this code of conduct will be completed," he said during a press conference at the International Conference on Online Harms today (Sept 6).
Fahmi said that the code would outline the legal framework for social media platforms operating in the country, as well as the consequences of breaching the law.
"It is too early for me to say what form of action will be taken (against violators), but it will be guided by pre-existing laws," he added.
He also emphasised the need to review current laws to ensure they remain relevant.
"There must be an examination of the pre-existing laws to ensure that, whether in relation to investigations by enforcement authorities or the delivery of just punishment, they take into account the ever-changing nature of these platforms," he said.
On Aug 28, Fahmi confirmed that the licensing requirement for social media and instant messaging platforms will proceed as planned, coming into effect on Jan 1.
This announcement followed pushback from major technology companies, including Meta, Apple, Amazon, Google, Yahoo, X and LinkedIn, via the Asia Internet Coalition (AIC).