Govt To Introduce Platform For Social Media Users To Challenge Content Removals

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The initiative, announced by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat on 3 March, aims to provide a fairer system for users to challenge decisions made by social media platforms.

According to Bernama, the proposed mechanism will allow individuals to file complaints if their posts are removed, offering them the opportunity to justify why the content should remain online.

"Under the proposed Online Safety Act, we will create a platform where anyone whose content has been removed can file a complaint with the tribunal to defend why their post should not have been taken down," she said.

"So, not everything falls under the authority of MCMC. We have a check-and-balance procedure to ensure that every MCMC decision can also be challenged," she added.

Teo addressed concerns that the government could exploit licensing requirements to suppress critical content, particularly during election periods.

Responding to queries in parliament, Teo reassured lawmakers that regulatory measures would be scrutinised to prevent misuse.

She revealed that MCMC is conducting an independent survey to determine actual user numbers on major platforms, an effort driven by disputes over compliance.

For instance, X (formerly Twitter) has contested claims that it has eight million users in Malaysia, arguing that it does not meet the threshold for licensing. Discussions with major tech firms, including Meta, Google, and X, are already underway.

The government maintains that accurate user data is essential to ensure platforms adhere to regulatory obligations.