KUALA LUMPUR: Internet messaging service provider Telegram has been urged to collaborate with the government to combat criminal activities widely spread on the platform, as recently highlighted by the United Nations (UN).
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) held a meeting with Telegram on Sept 18 and will continue discussions to address the issue.
"I observe that various forms of crime remain prevalent on the Telegram platform, such as investment scams, drug sales, pornography, crimes against children, and sexual materials involving children.
"We hope Telegram will cooperate on these matters, and we are closely monitoring developments in France," he remarked at a press conference after attending the 2024 World Post Day celebration here on Wednesday (Oct 9).
Fahmi added that, currently, the government does not intend to take action against Telegram staff as long as they provide the necessary cooperation.
The minister mentioned that all social media platforms have been given two months to register with the MCMC and review the contents of the first draft of the Social Media Platform Code of Conduct, expected to be completed this month.
Platforms meeting the criteria of having over eight million users but failing to register for licensing could face legal action.
"Recently, I had a bilateral meeting with the French Ambassador Axel Cruau, and our discussions included the actions taken by French courts against Telegram.
"It is well-known that Telegram is now more willing to cooperate with enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, and even governments on certain issues," he said.
Reuters reported that the UN revealed powerful criminal networks in Southeast Asia have extensively used the Telegram app, enabling a fundamental shift in how organised crime conducts large-scale illegal activities.
The UN, through the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), recently accused Telegram since France, using a tough new law with no international equivalent, charged its boss Pavel Durov for allowing criminal activity on the platform. – Bernama
