Social media platform controls being mulled, say Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR: In view of the high cases of cyber security, privacy, copyright and indecent social media platforms, some form or social media monitoring controls is being mulled, said Fahmi Fadzil.

He said this was because all social media platforms in the country were not controlled by any acts or laws.

As such, the Communications Minister said social media monitoring to ensure guidelines by the government were adhered to had to be created, including ensuring the rights of the consumers were protected, especially regarding sensitive information.

"Most countries have social media controls except in Malaysia where we are looking into specific regulations," AstroAwani reported Fahmi as saying on Sunday (Feb 4).

"I would not say we are expecting much, but a better control, especially in regards to children's safety online which is a priority," he added.

Fahmi gave an example of how the United States and the European Union could take legal action on companies which operated social media platforms when they flout consumer rights.

Regarding this, he said the Communications Ministry would have a meeting with Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said in the near future.

"This is to have a detailed discussion on online child safety issues and social media platforms, especially on the technical committee tasked by the Cabinet.

Fahmi was sharing these views in a TechTalk Forum, Malaysian Communication Summit, 'Charting the Future Together' in conjunction with the Youth Empowerment Fair 2024 which is taking place for two days in Kuala Lumpur.