As the government intensifies efforts to combat online scams in Malaysia, Meta faces potential legal action over its alleged failure to curb fraudulent content on its platforms.
According to a report by Bernama, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is reviewing measures to penalise the social media giant over the proliferation of fake accounts and scam-related content.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the government had summoned Meta representatives after identifying large volumes of illicit content on social media platforms.
More than 90% of the 230,000 content takedown requests issued by authorities involved online gambling and scam-related material.
The authorities are particularly concerned about the spread of fake profiles on Facebook.
Between January and May this year, the MCMC identified more than 15,000 fake accounts impersonating members of the Malaysian royal family.
Fahmi expressed frustration with Meta, saying previous warnings had not resulted in sufficient improvements in content moderation.
“I regard legal action as the last option, but we are already close to that last option,”
Fahmi said.
The potential regulatory action would fall under Malaysia’s upcoming Online Safety Act, which the government expects to gazette soon.
The law includes provisions targeting online harms such as scams, gambling-related content, and fake accounts.
Under the legislation, non-compliant platforms could face fines of up to RM1 million, along with daily penalties of RM100,000. Maximum penalties may reach RM10 million.
The MCMC is also seeking stronger cooperation from Meta to ensure its platforms are safer for Malaysian users.
Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Malaysia, based on image by DC Studio and zulkarnaens via Magnific
