Meta says Malaysia's social media licencing plan lacks clarity, threatens innovation

Danial Azhar - Reuters - 30/10
A Meta Platforms official on Wednesday criticised Malaysia's plan to require social media platforms to apply for a regulatory licence by January, saying the proposal lacked clear guidelines and gave social companies little time to comply, risking digital innovation and growth in the country.
  • Malaysia to require social media licences by Jan. 1
  • Meta says lack of clarity on licencing could impact innovation
  • Meta says undecided if it will apply for licencing by deadline
  • Malaysia says social media platforms must step up monitoring
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 - A Meta Platforms (META.O), opens new tab official on Wednesday criticised Malaysia's plan to require social media platforms to apply for a regulatory licence by January, saying the proposal lacked clear guidelines and gave social companies little time to comply, risking digital innovation and growth in the country.
Malaysia said in July it will require social media platforms and messaging services with more than eight million users to obtain a licence, as part of efforts to curb financial scams, cyberbullying and sexual crimes online.
The companies could face legal action if they failed to do so by Jan. 1, 2025.
The plan has faced a backlash, with an Asian industry group that includes Meta urging the government in August to pause the move. Malaysia however has said it will not delay the proposed regulations, with Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil saying tech companies must comply with local laws to continue operating the co...
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