Developing social media app costly, not a priority, says Fahmi Fadzil

Developing a social media application specifically for Malaysians is costly and is not a current priority for the government, said communications minister Fahmi Fadzil. 

The minister added that the government is focused on other pressing matters such as dilapidated schools and clinics. 

However, if there are any private companies that intend to develop their own social media platforms, the government will not stop them, added Fahmi. 

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The minister said that these private companies can contact the ministry of science, technology and innovation (MOSTI) or the Malaysia digital economy corporation (MDEC) for assistance. 

Earlier this week, minister Fahmi reportedly said that the government is considering the proposal to develop a social media application specifically for Malaysians. 

This is especially since some social media application providers are profiting off Malaysians but fail to ensure user safety. 

Fahmi reportedly said that Facebook earned US$600 million (RM2.66 billion) from Malaysia and questioned what the platform has done to ensure that the condition and use of their platform in Malaysia are safe. He reportedly said that the company lacks commitment too. 

The minister reportedly added that it is not easy to develop Malaysia's own social media platform, but notes that some countries have attempted it. 

This comes after the government revealed that all social media services and internet messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia must apply for a class license.

The regulations are part of the government's attempts to crack down on social media platforms and user safety. 

In conversation with A+M, Rengeeta Rendava, founder and managing director of Mad Hat Asia called the crackdown a "big move", adding that it is good that efforts to tackle misinformation and harmful content are being taken. 

However, Rendava cautions that it should not turn as a tool to suppress free speech.

"Social media is wild and protecting people from cyberbullying and fake news is imperative. People's lives and livelihoods are equally at stake," said Rendava.

"However, there's a need to ensure also that there isn't overreach, that this doesn’t turn into a tool to suppress free speech," she added. 

Rendava's views are echoed amongst many other social media players, including Dan Iskandar, co-founder of DNA Creative Communications who said, "social media has undeniably become a breeding ground for misinformation, hate speech, and cyberbullying." 

However, the proposed actions raise significant concerns regarding the potential infringement on freedom of speech. This is especially since definition of terms such as "offensive," "intimidating," and "outrageous" can be subjective and open to interpretation, leading to potential overreach and censorship.

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