Citing a lack of clarity about the planned restrictions, an Asian industry group that includes Google (GOOGL.O), opens new tab, Meta (META.O), opens new tab, and X requested Malaysia to delay a plan that will require social media services to apply for a license. But the Asia Internet Coalition’s (AIC) letter was taken down from its website late on Monday, and the organization did not answer Reuters’ questions on why right away.
A separate statement from Grab (GRAB.O), opens new tab, a coalition member, stated that it had not been notified or contacted over the letter and that the government’s strategy had no bearing on its activities.
As part of an effort to tackle cybercrime, Malaysia’s communications regulator said in July that social media firms with more than eight million members in the nation would need to apply for a license starting this month. If the platforms don’t comply by January 1, 2025, legal action may be taken against them, the regulator said.
The AIC, whose members also include Apple Inc. (AAPL.O) and Amazon (AMZN.O), opens new tab, said in a letter dated Friday that it was “unworkable” for the industry and could stifle innovation by placing undue burdens on businesses. The letter was addressed to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
According to the association, the lack of official public discussions on the proposal has left the business unsure about the extent of the requirements that would be placed on social media platforms.
As stated in the letter published on the organization’s website, “No platform can be expected to register under these conditions,” according to AIC Managing Director Jeff Paine.
Regarding the letter, the Malaysian Ministry of Communications chose not to respond. A statement was requested, but the prime minister’s office did not react.
