More time for Meta gives face to scammers, paedophiles - Fahmi

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil today said the government cannot compromise with Meta’s request to extend the deadline for social media licensing registration in this country.

He said agreeing to the request would be tantamount to giving face to scammers and paedophile groups to continue their activities.

“I read that Meta is asking for more time, but honestly, we cannot give more time to scammers and paedophile groups that are rampant.

“The government has received complaints from the public about the presence of paedophile groups on Facebook, some with hundreds of followers, others with thousands, and they have been operating for years.

“That’s why I don’t understand why Meta is trying to defend these scammers and paedophile groups,” he said when met by the media after attending the 2024 Madani Deepavali Open House event in Kuala Lumpur today.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and MIC president SA Vigneswaran were also present.

‘All kinds of excuses’

Previously, Meta - the owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp - requested the government to extend the deadline for social media licensing registration.

Enforcement under the new licence will begin on Jan 1 of the coming year.

In an interview with Malaysiakini yesterday, Meta’s Southeast Asia Public Policy director, Rafael Frankel, raised concerns about what he described as a “very accelerated timeline” to comply with the new regulations.

According to Frankel, Meta’s primary concern is the lack of clarity regarding the obligations that will be imposed by the government on these platforms.

Yesterday, Fahmi (above) reprimanded Meta for failing to address paedophilia and child grooming crimes, particularly on Facebook.

“Meta needs to be far more proactive in combating groups on Meta’s social media platforms that are engaging in these sexual crimes,” he said.

Elaborating further, Fahmi, who is also the government spokesperson, rejected Meta’s claim that there had been no discussions with them.

“Meta claims we never discussed this with them, which is a lie; we’ve been discussing this with them since early in the year.

“I even went to Singapore to discuss this with them, and they keep giving various excuses.

“But in my view, the safety of Malaysians, especially children, cannot be compromised,” he added.

Authorities have sexual grooming groups on radar - Fahmi

MCMC's public consultation on social media code of conduct begins

Social media licensing: Many stakeholder consultations have been held - Teo

MCMC 'categorically denies' AIC objections to social media licensing

MCMC to engage with platforms before licensing implementation

Social media licensing to continue despite pushback: Fahmi

MCMC: Licensing of social media providers to ensure users' safety