Social media licensing is for safety, say experts

KUALA LUMPUR: The move to license social media platforms in Malaysia is a proactive government effort to ensure operators prioritise user safety and privacy, says an expert.

Associate Prof Dr Aznul Qalid Md Sabri from the Computer Science and Information Technology Faculty at Universiti Malaya said that social media licensing is not a novel concept, as similar moves have been implemented in other countries.

“This step provides a safety net, including (against) the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, essential for protecting social media users in Malaysia,” he told Bernama recently.

He added that the government, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, should enforce this licensing with specific conditions to safeguard users.

These conditions include data protection policies and safety measures for children, such as age restrictions to prevent users under 13 from accessing certain platforms.

When asked about the effectiveness of social media licensing, Aznul Qalid said while some countries have implemented it to control undesirable online activities, most prefer to enforce existing laws.

For instance, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have focused their licensing requirements on content creators, while Malaysia’s approach, requiring platform operators to obtain a licence, is unique.

Associate Prof Dr Mohd Khairie Ahmad, dean of the School of Multimedia Technology and Communication at Universiti Utara Malaysia, said licensing could help curb the rise of deepfakes online.

He argued that the government’s action was not drastic nor intended to restrict freedom of communication.

Mohd Khairie added that the licensing of social media platforms should not be delayed, as self-regulation has proven insufficient. “Users often struggle to control their emotions and behaviour, leading to the creation of deepfakes, harmful content, libel, incitement and even cyberbullying,” he said.

He described the licensing move as a strategy to enhance the accountability of new media platforms, operating within a framework that prioritises social and moral responsibility.