THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)’s requirement for all social media and internet messaging services to apply for an Application Service Class Licence under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) is a timely step.
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Media and Information Warfare Studies Centre security and political analyst Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin said the move is well-timed and essential for balancing the social media landscape especially when it comes to civil and criminal cases as well as cybercrimes.
“It is also crucial to ensure control over emerging elements such as artificial intelligence (AI) and, more concerning, generative AI that can produce misleading information or content used for malicious purposes,” he told Bernama.
Noor Nirwandy however noted that while this move should be supported by all, there also needs to be ongoing improvements and the establishment of a committee consisting of social media experts, information warfare specialists and the younger generation.
“This will help create a clearer and more forward-thinking framework to address threats while ensuring that no suppression of human rights occurs in the country, in line with the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara,” he added.
“This is also important in establishing a national identity within social media to ensure that users adhere to the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara, using a governance framework that reflects the true national identity.”
MCMC on Saturday (July 27) announced that all social media services and internet messaging services with at least eight million registered users must apply for a class licence beginning Aug 1 as part of a new regulatory framework that will be introduced, with enforcement effective January 1, 2025.
Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) cybersecurity expert Prof Madya M Selvakumar noted that this measure is not new, as similar practices are implemented in other countries, including Europe, India, and Singapore.
Concerns about this measure restricting freedom of speech are therefore unfounded, he opined.
“With the introduction of this new measure, social media platform operators will have to comply with Malaysian requirements, ensuring that their content aligns with our cultural needs,” he added.
On July 29, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the new regulations aim to tackle the spread of crime and harmful information, thereby creating a safer online environment for all users.
In a Facebook post, he acknowledged that while some of these regulations may be popular, they are essential for the public good.
On this issue, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has also said on Sunday that new legislation to improve digital safety, including provisions for a “kill switch”, will be tabled in Parliament in October.
She noted that the law will require social media and internet messaging service providers to take responsibility for addressing online crimes, including fraud, cyberbullying, the distribution of child sexual abuse material and various forms of harassment. – July 30, 2024
Main pic credit: Hallam Internet
