The Malaysian government said last month that social media and messaging platforms with over 8 million registered users would require licenses starting next year. Officials claim this measure aims to combat online fraud, cyberbullying, and child sexual abuse.
The AIC emphasized the need for transparency, fairness, and reasonable timelines in implementing such regulations. They warned that the proposed licensing system could hinder innovation and deter future investments in the country's tech sector.
This move comes amid rising tensions between the Malaysian government and social media companies. Recently, a controversy erupted when Prime Minister Ibrahim's posts condemning the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh were removed from Facebook and Instagram, leading to government criticism and an apology from Meta citing operational errors.
