An Asian industry group, including tech giants like Google, Meta, and X, penned an open letter urging Malaysia to halt a plan requiring social media services to obtain licenses due to unclear regulations. The Asia Internet Coalition (AIC) expressed concerns about the proposed regulations, questioning the impact on innovation and business operations. The letter, however, was removed from the AIC website without explanation, raising questions.
Malaysia’s communication regulator announced that social media platforms with over eight million users must apply for licenses to combat cybercrime. The AIC, addressing Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, described the licensing regime as “unworkable,” lacking industry consultation and burdening platforms. The group emphasized the importance of clarity and adequate time to assess implications for Malaysia’s digital economy.
Despite the government’s focus on tackling harmful online content, the AIC stressed the need for collaborative and transparent measures. The standoff reflects the delicate balance between regulatory oversight and industry innovation in the digital realm.