Kuala lumpur: The government cannot allow more time for social media licensing in efforts to combat online crimes, including paedophilia and scam activities, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. He stated that the government will not compromise on this matter as social media safety issues, especially involving children and families, have become more widespread.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi highlighted that Meta had requested additional time to address such issues on their social media accounts, but the request was denied. “Meta has requested more time (to crack down on such groups on social media accounts), but honestly, we cannot grant additional time,” Fahmi stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. He further noted the alarming presence of paedophile groups on Facebook, which have amassed in the tens of thousands over years of operation. Fahmi expressed his confusion over Meta’s reluctance to act swiftly against these groups, stressing that social media platforms should proceed wi
th the mandated licensing.
Fahmi recounted his meeting with Meta representatives, during which he reprimanded the company for their inaction on paedophilia and child sexual grooming crimes, particularly on Facebook. He pointed out that discussions have been ongoing since the beginning of the year, and he even travelled to Singapore to engage in talks with Meta. “To say we have never discussed it with them is false. We have discussed it, and I went to Singapore to meet them, but they kept giving excuses,” Fahmi said, highlighting the importance of prioritizing the safety of Malaysians, especially children and families.
In August, it was announced by Fahmi that guidelines in line with the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 require any platform without a licence after January 1, 2025, to potentially face action under Section 126 of the Act. Fahmi clarified that social media licensing would apply only to platform operators and not to users or influencers.
On a different note, during the 2024 MADANI Deepava
li Open House, Fahmi expressed hopes for the celebration to strengthen unity and friendship among the people. He remarked on the diversity present at the event, stating, “We see people from various races and religions coming to celebrate this festival together in a harmonious, peaceful and beautiful atmosphere. This is the spirit of unity we wish to foster throughout the country.”
