Anticipated Outcomes and Future Course of Action
Malaysian Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil will meet representatives from Meta on Thursday to discuss the rise of illegal online gambling advertisements on Facebook. The upcoming discussions aim to result in closer collaboration and more effective enforcement against harmful content.
The Malaysian government has consistently flagged the issue to Meta, but the platform remains saturated with gambling-related content. Minister Fahmi has raised concerns about Meta's handling of payments for prohibited advertisements, stating that if a gambling ad is paid for using a credit card, and the company is aware the content is illegal in Malaysia, it should block the card used.
The government's concerns are not new. They expect stronger measures from Meta to prevent criminals from exploiting Facebook, particularly in relation to illegal gambling activities. The government recognizes the social and economic benefits of Meta's platforms but will not tolerate illegal gambling activities.
In a visit to Penang, Minister Fahmi praised the National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi) managers for their role in promoting digital literacy and online safety. He described Nadi managers as vital 'ambassadors' for educating local communities on responsible internet use. The 1 State Constituency 1 Nadi initiative has established 42 centers in Penang, attracting over 10,800 members and recording nearly 17,800 participations in smart service programs.
The government's efforts extend beyond this meeting with Meta. The Malaysian government is also pursuing broader initiatives to create a safer online environment for Malaysians, including the Safe Internet Campaign led by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). The campaign aims to reach 10,000 schools by next year and also involves universities and colleges in promoting responsible digital habits.
The upcoming meeting with Meta is part of the government's commitment to ensure safer use of social media platforms without undermining their positive role in society. Millions of Malaysians rely on Facebook for social and economic engagement, making it crucial to address both licensing issues and the surge of illegal gambling ads.
The government does not plan to implement extreme measures such as banning or restricting Facebook. Instead, they hope that the dialogue with Meta will lead to a more collaborative approach to combating harmful content and ensuring a safer online environment for all Malaysians.
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