KUALA LUMPUR – Internet service and social media providers are prepared in principle to be licensed, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
This readiness was communicated during his recent meetings with several providers in Singapore, Bernama reported.
However, Fahmi noted that no service providers have applied for a licence yet.
“We have not yet received any applications because we only announced the regulatory framework or licensing for social media services on August 1.
“Currently, we are in the engagement process. I just returned from Singapore after meeting with all the platforms. Based on my meetings and discussions, I am confident they have expressed their readiness, in principle, to be licensed,” he told reporters after officiating at the Kita-Untuk-Kita (K2K) Youth Conference here today.
On August 1, Fahmi said the new regulatory framework, introduced this month, requires licensing for social media and internet messaging service providers starting January 1 next year.
He noted that users of these platforms do not need a licence, the requirement only applies to service providers.
Between August 1 and December 31, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will hold engagement sessions with stakeholders, including social media and messaging system providers, to establish a code of conduct and outline actions for non-compliance.
Failure to comply with the licensing directive could result in charges under Section 126 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries a maximum penalty of a RM500,000 fine, five years in prison, or both. Providers could also be fined RM1,000 for each day the offence continues.
Fahmi previously highlighted that the main objectives of licensing social media services are to tackle online fraud, cyberbullying and sexual crimes against children, not to restrict freedom of expression.
The MCMC had already discussed the licensing move with 27 parties, including NGOs, the Centre of Independent Journalism, Article 19, and the Bar Council, last February.
The government remains open to views and criticism, aiming to protect rights, ensure freedom of expression, and promote safe internet use.
Engagement sessions with stakeholders will continue to enhance understanding of the licensing measures, demonstrating the government’s commitment to making the internet safe for children and families.
On July 27, the MCMC announced that under the new framework, all social media and internet messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia must apply for an Application Service Provider Class Licence under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. – August 3, 2024