KUALA LUMPUR: Following conflicting responses from the Asia Internet Coalition (AIC) regarding the new Class Licence for social media platforms, Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has questioned whether service providers are ready for the new policy. The Ayer Hitam MP has asked for an explanation of the country's position after AIC, in an open letter, urged the Malaysian government to pause the plan due to a lack of clarity in the proposed regulations.
In a post on his official Facebook page, Dr Wee stated that he raised the issue in Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Oct 21). He sought clarification from the Communications Minister about the Ministry's stance and whether service providers were prepared for the new policy.
Dr Wee, who is also the MCA president, noted that he supports the government's efforts to establish laws regulating social media platform operators like Facebook, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, and WhatsApp. These laws aim to ensure that content with criminal elements, such as fraud, cyberbullying, and child exploitation, is controlled.
However, he pointed out that several questions need careful consideration, including whether the government plans to shut down or ban social media platforms that violate directives. Dr Wee also pondered whether internet users in Malaysia are moving towards identity certification.
"Will this social media licensing eventually mandate companies to verify every user's identity using identification cards? This is concerning as it may expose our personal information to third parties," he stated.
In response to Dr Wee's questions in Dewan Rakyat, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching assured that their current intention was not to implement an identity verification system but to protect users.
"We want to see if this licensing system works and is effective. If we aim to create a safe cyber world that requires identity verification, we will examine it in detail first," she explained.
It has been reported that all social media services and internet messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia must apply for a Class Licence beginning Aug 1, according to the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). This is part of a new regulatory framework.
Failure to obtain a Class Licence for Application Service Providers under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 after the effective date would be an offence, MCMC warned, adding that legal action could be taken. The enforcement will begin on Jan 1 next year.
MCMC stated that this move aligns with the Cabinet's decision to ensure social media and internet messaging services comply with Malaysian laws, combating rising cybercrime, including scams, online fraud, cyberbullying, and sexual crimes against children. Previously, these services were exempt from licensing requirements based on the Communications and Multimedia (Licensing) (Exemption) Order 2000.
