ACKNOWLEDGING the intention of the Cyber Security Act, which comes into force today, in tackling online scams, cyberbullying or hackers who threaten our public services and national sovereignty, questions arise as to why the Madani government did not improve in areas where existing legislative frameworks might be lacking.
The updated letter from major tech companies, including Google, Meta, Amazon, and Apple, highlights concerns about the potential negative impact of this licensing requirement on innovation. While the letter's tone has been moderated, it continues to emphasise the need for self-regulation by platforms and the necessity for careful consideration of the implications of new regulations.
Given the concerns raised, we ask the government to clarify the specific reasons for introducing a new Act to compel social media licensing. Is there a pressing need for this new legislation, or could the objectives be achieved by strengthening the existing regulatory framework? If there are shortcomings in the current framework, we would like to understand why a new Act is deemed necessary rather than enhancing the mechanisms already in place.
The existing framework for social media monitoring has proven effective in many areas. Instead of establishing a new licensing requirement, could the government explore ways to utilise and improve the current system to address any identified gaps? This approach might provide a more streamlined and less disruptive solution, ensuring that innovation is not adversely affected while maintaining a healthy oversight and a reduction in costs which eventually is passed down to customers.
We encourage the government to engage in further dialogue with stakeholders, including tech companies, to address these concerns and explore solutions that balance regulatory needs with the promotion of a dynamic digital environment.
Effective social media monitoring in today’s digital landscape is important as citizens desire to be assured of a safe and accountable online environment. It is crucial, and we support the need for measures that uphold these principles. However, we question the rationale behind the Malaysian government's mandatory execution of social media licensing requirements as it opens more questions than answers.
Neow Choo Seong
MCA Youth Information Chief
