2 days ago
Fahmi calls out Meta and X over their inaction on online safety
He highlighted TikTok as the only platform that has demonstrated a genuine commitment by voluntarily joining the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil speaks at a press conference following the Launch of the Ethical Guidelines for Reporting and Sharing Suicide-Related Content at Menara Star today. Photo by Bernama
PETALING JAYA – Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has urged social media giants to play a more active role in curbing online harm, calling out Meta and X for failing to adequately address issues such as cyberbullying and suicide prevention.
He highlighted TikTok as the only platform that has demonstrated a genuine commitment by voluntarily joining the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF).
Speaking at the launch of CMCF's guidelines on reporting and sharing suicide-related content, Fahmi criticised social media platforms that neglect their responsibility to mitigate online harm, including suicide-related issues.
"We cannot have these social media platforms washing their hands of content that could also create online harm, particularly related to suicide," he said.
He noted that despite outreach efforts by CMCF to involve major players like Meta and X, these companies have not engaged with the forum.
In contrast, TikTok proactively joined the CMCF even before the implementation of the government's licensing framework for social media and online messaging services.
Fahmi singled out Facebook, urging the platform to recognise that the CMCF is an industry-led initiative, not a government directive, and that participation would benefit them by fostering best practices and codes of conduct.
"I wholeheartedly applaud TikTok's approach in voluntarily becoming a member of the Content Forum. For example, Facebook said that they are going to be licensed, but they must understand that the Content Forum is not government-led.
"It's industry-led. It's actually in their interest to participate so they can help develop best practices and codes of conduct," he added.
The minister also pointed out the alarming financial toll of online scams, which cost Malaysians RM53.88 billion in 2024, equivalent to three per cent of the nation's GDP. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil (second from left) speaks at a press conference after the Launch Ceremony of the Ethical Guidelines for Reporting and Sharing Suicide-Related Content at Menara Star today. Also present was the Chairman of the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia, Rafiq Razali (left). Photo for Bernama
Fahmi urged vernacular media outlets to play an active role in suicide prevention efforts by providing mental health resources in multiple languages to ensure broad accessibility.
"We need to reach out to the vernacular press. A lot of the content is in English, but our efforts must be understood in all languages," he stated.
Journalists were also encouraged to follow the CMCF's guidelines when covering suicide-related stories, focusing on safeguarding the privacy of victims and their families while avoiding detailed reporting that could lead to imitative behaviour.
'Reporting about suicide is most sensitive and most harrowing for any journalist covering the tragedy. We should not divulge the location or the personality in such tragedies,' he added.
Fahmi emphasised that the guidelines offer comprehensive advice for the digital ecosystem, including sharing personal experiences responsibly, avoiding trauma-triggering content, and connecting people to support services.
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