PUTRAJAYA: The government stands firm on its plan to enforce licensing for social media platforms starting January 1, despite TikTok's assurance that it will address issues of cyberbullying, scams, and slander on its platform.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said in terms of cyberbullying issues, the ministry has not received any reports showing real progress, apart from the statements and assurances made by TikTok's chief executive officer, Shou Zi Chew, to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"I welcome the statement and outcome of the meeting between the prime minister and CEO where it was conveyed to TikTok to cooperate with the ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
"However, on the issue of cyberbullying, we observe that much of the activity currently occurs on several platforms, particularly Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.
"(And) I have not received any reports on results from TikTok so far, apart from the statements and assurances they have provided to the prime minister.
"This is one of the reasons why we maintain the position that the implementation date for the licensing system of social media platforms will be Jan 1 and cannot be changed. Otherwise, it will remain as promises without action," he said during the weekly press conference today.
Yesterday, TikTok assured the government that it would look into issues of cyberbullying, scams and slander on its platform.
Anwar said the social media giant's CEO, Shou, conveyed the company's commitment to him during their 30-minute meeting on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders Week.
He also said TikTok had expressed its readiness to work with the Communications Ministry, MCMC and Bank Negara Malaysia.
The prime minister added that the meeting also discussed Putrajaya's social media regulatory framework, which, among other things, will require platforms like TikTok to obtain a licence and adhere to more stringent guidelines in the interest of users.
It was previously reported that social media platforms may face penalties or legal action if they fail to remove inappropriate posts once licensing requirements are enforced next year.