Fahmi: No plans for new law to regulate social media platforms

CYBERJAYA: The government has no plans to create a specific act for the purpose of regulating social media platforms, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said the government has never announced any intention for the drafting of such an Act.

“I have never heard of a social media platform regulation act. This is my first time hearing it. At this time, the ministry and the government have no plans to create a new law to regulate social media platforms,” he told reporters after attending an event here yesterday.

Previously, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) was reported to be in the process of preparing a framework to enable all social media platform providers to register with the commission to facilitate the regulation of such platforms in the country.

I have never heard of a social media platform regulation act. This is my first time hearing it. At this time, the ministry and the government have no plans to create a new law to regulate social media platforms.

Fahmi Fadzil

Meanwhile, Fahmi said MCMC has been asked to expand its methods to identify parties involved in online gambling promotions and to deactivate the accounts involved.

“Each of these social media platforms has its own community guidelines. Generally, abusing the platform to engage in illegal activities or violate the laws of the country can result in their accounts being affected and possibly unable to access those accounts.

“So I suggest not jeopardising the use of these platforms just for the sake of a little money or reward because there are several steps that can be taken to impose drastic restrictions, especially against those involved in unauthorised activities such as online gambling,” he said.

According to Fahmi, any action against users will be based on existing laws, and the most effective measure is deactivating their accounts.