News & Reviews:   Social media

Previously, we reported how individuals under the age of 16 are now banned from using social media in Australia. Now, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching has revealed that her Ministry is currently reviewing the law, as well as a similar one in France, for implementation in Malaysia.

As platforms for discourse, social media sites not only contain news but also content that is not child-friendly. While these platforms all have age restrictions, they are easily circumvented by tech-savvy children. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil wants that to change.

Being anonymous online could be stripped away, as Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced that the government is seeking to amend the Communications and Multimedia Act. This act can force social media platforms such as Facebook to reveal users' data if requested by the police.

We all know that the smartphone market is competitive. Companies also aren't shy about taking potshots at each other. However, nubia claiming that its rivals are selling "fake flagships" could be a bad move.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) today announced that it will be conducting a public inquiry on the proposed licensing requirements for social media and internet messaging service providers. In a statement, MCMC clarified that the inquiry was to ensure the final framework is fair, effective and meets the needs of both the industry and the public.

A few weeks back, the Malaysian government made a drastic announcement that all social media and internet messaging services must apply for a license on 1 August 2024. We are getting to the end of the month and we still haven't heard any development yet until the Asia Internet Coalition (AIC) responded yesterday.

The Minister of Communications, Fahmi Fadzil has now shared Malaysia's efforts to license social media platforms so that the platforms are more responsible in receiving the attention of several countries, and also expressed interest in following the same steps. Among those who have already contacted the MCMC regarding this matter is the UK communications regulatory body, Ofcom.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil today revealed that the 1st version of the code of conduct for social media platforms will be enforced starting 1 January 2025. He added that engagement sessions with all social media platform stakeholders will be held soon to create the code of conduct.

The government is currently examining proposals to create a new social media application specifically for the use of Malaysians. If this is true, it will be interesting to see how the government will execute it. So, what should you know about it?

Previously, we reported how social media and internet messaging services in Malaysia must apply for a Class Licence beginning today. Now, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has clarified that the licence is only meant for social media and internet messaging operators, hence it won’t affect individual users.