THE government said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is currently preparing a proposed framework to license social media platforms and online service providers.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said  the licensing will be applied to social media and internet messaging service providers according to set evaluation criteria.

“This proposed licensing enforcement is targeted at social media service providers and internet messaging services accessible to users in Malaysia, based on specified assessment criteria,” she said.

“The targeted licensing enforcement proposal is also considered appropriate due to the high availability of harmful content on social media and internet messaging platforms.”

She added that the proposed regulatory measures aim to enhance online safety and address content that violates national laws.

“These measures align with current global approaches and developments, without intending to restrict media freedom,” she told Parliament during Question Time today.

Teo was responding to Datuk Shamshulkahar Deli (BN-Jempol) who asked whether the ministry would require all social media platform service providers operating in the country to register with MCMC.

Communications minister Fahmi Fadzli previously said the ministry was examining the need to license large platform providers such as Google, Meta, and TikTok that generate revenue through content from local media organisations.

Besides that, Teo said that the Digital Safety Bill 2023 may be brought to Parliament for approval in the next sitting.

A committee had already been established and discussions have started regarding the need for a law to ensure online safety, she added.

Last Thursday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said reportedly said that the Legal Affairs Division has prepared a working draft for the bill. — TMR / pic TMR FILE