Meta Criticism Of Malaysia's Social Media License Plan, Lack Of Clearness And Threatening Innovation

Jakarta - An inNC Meta Platforms official on Wednesday, October 30 criticized Malaysia's plan to require social media platforms to apply for regulatory licenses from January. Meta argued that the proposal lacked clear guidance and provided little time for companies to comply with the rules, which are considered at risk of innovation and digital growth in the country.

Malaysia previously announced in July that social media platforms and messaging services that have more than eight million users must obtain licenses as part of efforts to suppress cases of financial fraud, cyberbullying, and sexual crimes in cyberspace. These companies face legal action if they do not meet licensing requirements on January 1, 2025.

However, this move drew criticism, including from the Asian industry group in which Meta is located. They urged the Malaysian government to postpone the plan in August. However, Malaysia's Minister of Communications, Fahmi Fadzil, confirmed that new rules would still be in effect, stating that technology companies must comply with local laws if they wish to continue operating in Malaysia.

Rafael Frankel, Director of Meta's Public Policy for Southeast Asia, said the company was still considering whether to apply for a license before the January deadline, due to a lack of clarity regarding the new regulations. According to Frankel, the timeframe for applying for a license is considered "very accelerated," while the obligations for social media companies in this plan remain unclear.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday following a meeting with Meta representatives, Fahmi expressed his gratitude for the company's readiness to cooperate with the government, but urged Meta to be more proactive in overcoming sexual content involving minors on its platform.

Meta states that they have the same goal as the Malaysian government to create a safe online environment and have teamed up with communication regulators to remove or limit harmful content on its platform.