MCMC Fires Back At Tech Giants
Communications regulator MCMC has launched a scathing rebuttal against the Asia Internet Coalition (AIC) over the controversial social media licensing framework.
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The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has unleashed an eight-page letter aiming at the Asia Internet Coalition (AIC) and its recent open letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The AIC, an alliance of tech giants, had raised concerns about Malaysia’s new social media licensing framework, set to take effect by the end of the year.
But the MCMC is having none of it.
The regulator questioned whether the AIC had the authority to speak on behalf of the tech brands listed in its letter, as three different versions of the letter surfaced, each with varying lists of companies.
Notably, the ride-hailing giant Grab publicly distanced itself from the AIC’s stance, stating it had no involvement in the open letter.
READ MORE: Grab Malaysia Says Platform Not Affected, Not Part Of Open Letter To PM
Tak boleh bayang betapa besar kemaluan Google, Meta etc boleh screw-up a strong, formidable stance sampai kena dunk on by MCMC of all agencies. pic.twitter.com/Q11NaeHMgL
— Zikri Kamarulzaman (@zikri) August 27, 2024
MCMC’s Engagement with AIC Revealed
The MCMC minced no words in refuting the AIC’s allegations of a lack of engagement with stakeholders.
Armed with photographic evidence, the regulator proved that it had held an engagement session with AIC representatives in May 2024.
The MCMC firmly maintains that it has taken all reasonable steps to engage and assist online service providers (OSPs) in complying with the new framework.
But the battle is far from over.
The MCMC has announced its intention to conduct a Public Inquiry, inviting feedback from all relevant parties to ensure a fair and effective regulatory framework.
The regulator emphasizes the government’s prime responsibility to protect its citizens against digital threats and harms, including online scams, gambling, sexual crimes against children, and cyberbullying.
Dah berapa kali ulang baca respon MCMC terhadap surat dari AIC yang kononnya ‘open letter’ untuk PMX. That’s a very solid response.
— Asrul Muzaffar🇲🇾 (@asrulmm) August 27, 2024
Every single point dalam surat AIC tu MCMC jawab.
Dengan ertikata lain, MCMC benam AIC sampai tak bagi chance langsung😂 pic.twitter.com/kzLCY3GmQN
Countdown to January 2025: The High-Stakes Deadline
The stakes couldn’t be higher as the clock ticks towards the January 2025 deadline.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has clarified that the government will not waver in its resolve to implement the new licensing framework.
The safety and interests of Malaysian users, he asserts, are non-negotiable.
For the average Malaysian, this showdown between the MCMC and tech giants hits close to home.
Online scams are rising, and the thought of falling victim to fraudsters is a constant worry.
MEDIA STATEMENT
— MCMC (@MCMC_RASMI) August 27, 2024
MCMC’S COMMITMENT TO A SAFE AND INCLUSIVE ONLINE ENVIRONMENT.#MCMC pic.twitter.com/ADyKNlTaKv
Tech Titans vs. MCMC: Who Will Blink First?
The government’s promise to hold digital platforms accountable for the content they host offers a glimmer of hope in an increasingly treacherous online landscape.
Will the tech giants bow to the MCMC’s demands or call the regulator’s bluff?
The outcome of this showdown could reshape the way Malaysians interact with social media and instant messaging platforms for years to come.
One thing is certain: in the fight for a safer digital future, there can be no spectators – only warriors.
READ MORE: Scam Jam: Bank Negara Malaysia’s Rock-Solid Plan To Crush Fraud
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