No Internet censorship despite licensing

CENSORSHIP will not be imposed on the Internet in Malaysia under a plan to license social media platforms next year, says the Communications Ministry.

Despite this, the ministry said compulsory licensing for social media providers is necessary to prevent any social “disasters”.

“Freedom without boundaries is freedom that invites disaster. This measure is intended to seek a balance between freedom of speech, national security and the safety of Malaysians.

“As stated in the MSC Malaysia Bill of Guarantee No. 7, the government will not censor the Internet.“This does not mean that unlawful online content can be disseminated freely without regard for the law,” it said in a written reply to Suhaimi Nasir (BN-Libaran).Suhaimi had requested assurance that the government would not censor the Internet in response to the planned licensing of social media platforms.

According to a July announcement, all social media platforms with over eight million registered users must apply for a Class License for Application Service Providers by January 1 next year.