Maroc - THECEKODOK.COM - A La Une - 26/Aug 10:56

Global Technology Company Expresses Dismay at Malaysian Social Media Operator's License Application

As you already know, all online messaging and social media platforms that have 8 million local users and above will need to apply for a social media platform operator's license starting August 1, 2024, and will come into force on January 1, 2025.Recently, we have also reported that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission is holding discussions with a number of operators of online messaging platforms and also social media, where Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil expects that the first application will arrive in early October this year.Asia Internet Coalition, an association that represents a number of global technology companies such as Apple, Facebook, Google, Expedia Group, Amazon, Line, LinkedIn and so on has issued a statement showing concern about the license requirement.The biggest issue highlighted is how this license will constrain the innovation and flexibility of these companies to operate in Malaysia.Changes to the laws that these companies must comply with are also said to be in conflict with the concept of innovation and openness which will have a negative impact not only on digital technology companies that are already established in Malaysia, but also on new platforms that are developing. .In the meantime, the discussions that are taking place only after the licensing application framework for messaging and social media platforms are introduced after August 1, 2024 also bring uncertainty to many of these digital platforms, perhaps especially when the policy shown will change during or after these discussions end. .AIC is also aware of the issues that are plaguing local internet users, such as spam, gambling, online fraud, hate speech and also advertisements that are increasingly less pleasant to read and see on these platforms.According to AIC, all these are issues that need to be tackled by both platform operators and the government, but the deadlines and all the new laws set are like coercion and make it difficult for these companies to work together to prevent it.AIC said that for the time being, discussions between the government and also the messaging and social media operating companies need to be started on the basis of sincerity and fairness, and need to be given enough time so that all parties can guarantee the online safety of Malaysians.The statement issued by the AIC may be seen to be more in favor of technology conglomerates that are already established in Malaysia, but it is beneficial for the government to discuss in depth with these companies first so that all parties understand what needs to be done to develop the platform and safer internet usage experience.