Malaysia sues Facebook owner Meta over online gambling
The Internet provides a unique service that is not restricted by geography. What is acceptable in one country, such as online gambling, may not be acceptable in another.Malaysia wants online content providers to abide by its laws and plans to make this clear using the example of Facebook owner Meta.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced on Friday that it would take legal action against Meta. The government agency said the platform's content violated the country's standards for protecting race, monarchy and religion.
In addition to these violations, Facebook is also plagued by harmful content, MCMC said in a statement. These include online gambling, scams and deceptive advertising, which are still illegal in the country. The agency has not said what type of legal action it is considering.
Malaysia Unfriend Facebook
MCMC had previously contacted Meta asking it to remove unwanted content, according to the agency's statement. The company's response was "slow" and "unsatisfactory" as executives reportedly didn't take the issue seriously enough.
After multiple failed attempts to find a solution, the MCMC concluded it had no choice but to take legal action. This measure is necessary to increase cybersecurity responsibility and enhance user protection from harmful content, including fraudulent activity.
The agency said it would not compromise the country's views on misuse of online and telecommunications platforms, networks or online facilities. Legal action may be taken against malicious activities, questionable content or content that undermines racial stability or social harmony or insults the royal family.
According to reports, Facebook is the most popular social media platform in Malaysia. According to the government, about 60% of the population (approximately 19.8 million people) have registered accounts.
Meta shouldn’t feel like you’re being singled out. Malaysia has also taken action against other social media companies and communications channels, with Telegram still facing criticism for not cooperating with MCMC.
Regime change leads to tighter controls
MCMC appointed Tan Sri Mohd Salim Fatteddin as its new chairman in March last year for a term of two years. He has already served as interim president, giving him a solid foundation from which to shape the institution.
Following confirmation of his appointment, MCMC conducted a wider review of the digital content regulatory framework. This review was initiated under the chairmanship. But an increase in consumer complaints and fraud has thrust the issue into the spotlight.
Mohd Salim said that as Malaysia's industry regulator, his party will also review the regulatory approach and achieve a higher level of supervision through existing legal instruments. He said this included reviewing the exclusion of certain activities rather than applying criminal restrictions and penalty guidelines.
Industry partners in Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia are also passing similar laws to monitor surveillance on certain platforms and investigate fraudulent activity, he added.
Data from the Commercial Crime Investigation Department of the Royal Malaysian Police shows that there has been an increase in fraudulent activities on online channels such as Facebook and Telegram. From 2021 to April last year, Malaysians reported losses of 1.2 billion ringgit ($256.56 million).
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Source: www.casino.org
