Kuala Lumpur: A platform enabling social media users to challenge the removal of their content will be introduced through the Online Safety Bill 2024, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced. The initiative aims to provide account holders with a means to defend their posts by presenting reasonable justifications.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the proposed Online Safety Act will establish a tribunal for individuals to file complaints if their content is taken down. This ensures that decisions by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) can be contested, providing a system of checks and balances. Teo Nie Ching highlighted this during a session in the Dewan Rakyat, addressing concerns regarding potential governmental overreach in content regulation, particularly during elections.

In response to a supplementary question by Datuk Wan Saifulruddin Wan Jan, regarding licensing requirements for internet service providers and social media platforms, Teo revealed that MCMC is undertaking a thorough review to resolve enforcement issues. The commission is currently surveying platform usage to facilitate compliance with licensing frameworks.

Teo noted ongoing discussions with major platform providers such as Meta, X, and Google. She mentioned a specific dispute with X over the number of Malaysian users, which impacts their need to apply for a licence. MCMC is conducting its own survey to ascertain user numbers, aiming to ensure adherence to the licensing requirements.