Latest news with #UCEM
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
New MCMC framework must give users clearer opt-out options, expert says
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has launched a two-week public consultation on a proposed Regulatory Framework for Unsolicited Commercial Electronic Messages (UCEM), or spam, under the new Section 233A of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. Open until Aug 27, the consultation seeks feedback from industry players, civil society organisations, consumer groups, ministries, enforcement agencies, academics and the public. The framework takes a multi-platform approach that addresses how spam is sent today, including via SMS, email, messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram, and social media. Key measures include requiring consent before sending commercial messages, clearer sender identification and simple, no-cost opt-out options for recipients. It also proposes banning address-harvesting software, bulk-messaging tools and tactics such as dictionary attacks. Breaches could trigger enforcement action or legal proceedings under Section 233A. Universiti Malaya computer systems & technology associate professor Dr Saaidal Razalli Azzuhri said the central value of Section 233A is that "it expands the scope beyond existing laws by covering all forms of unsolicited digital messages, not just email spam, including social messaging platforms and SMS." He added that the regulation "must be designed to handle spam across SMS, email, messaging apps and social media in one comprehensive approach." While the details will be shaped by public feedback, Saaidal expects that companies and individuals may need to get clearer consent, provide opt-out options and be transparent about their messaging practices. FRAMEWORK DETAILS Under the proposed framework, consent would be recognised in two forms, express and implied consent. Express consent covers clear, affirmative permission. For example, a tick-box or registration to receive marketing. Implied consent may arise from an existing customer relationship. Regardless of consent type, senders must identify themselves clearly in every message, provide valid contact details and include a free, functional opt-out that lets recipients withdraw permission at any time. The framework also outlines mandatory opt-out mechanisms in every UCEM, and forbids sending messages without identification or a working unsubscribe route. On consumer protection, Saaidal said well-designed rules could "limit unsolicited contact, require consent, and impose penalties for scams or misleading content." He described responsible digital marketing as "sending only to consenting users, providing easy unsubscribes, and being honest in content (common sense)." "Possible responsible practices can include sending only to consenting users, letting them unsubscribe easily, and being honest when presenting content, which is down to common sense," he said. To avoid restricting freedoms, he stressed safeguards so that anti-spam measures do not curtail lawful communication. "Safeguards like clear definitions and clear appeal processes ensure it targets spam without silencing legitimate speech," he explained. IMPLICATIONS FOR USERS AND BUSINESSES A major focus of the consultation is giving the public more control. "Users must be given simpler ways to report and block spam through standardised tools or platforms," Saaidal said. Technologically, day-to-day filtering will hinge on "advanced filtering systems, AI detection and updated blocklists or whitelists" that can spot abusive campaigns while letting legitimate messages through. On whether Malaysia has what it takes to carry out effective enforcement, he said: "Malaysia has a growing tech infrastructure and skilled talent pool, but will need continuous investment and training across industry, government and academia to enforce the rules effectively." For industry players, the proposal aims to separate permission-based marketing from unsolicited blasts. Saaidal expects e-commerce platforms, telecommunications companies and banks to tighten data practices, refine marketing lists and improve user-consent management. SMEs, he said, "may face extra compliance costs but can benefit from higher trust and engagement with customers, which is a huge thing for business nowadays." In the longer term, he said the framework must appear flexible enough to adapt, but will require periodic updates to keep pace with technologies like AI marketing. MCMC said it has already engaged key stakeholders in sessions held in June to help balance consumer protection with business needs, and is now widening the lens to include the public's experiences, from nuisance promotions to more serious phishing attempts. The commission encourages Malaysians to review the consultation paper and submit views by Aug 2, 5pm, noting that feedback will inform the drafting of subsidiary rules and guidance to ensure clear, enforceable standards. MCMC website during the consultation window.
New Straits Times
13-08-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
MCMC begins public consultation on regulatory framework for spam messages
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission today commenced a two-week public consultation on the proposed Regulatory Framework for Unsolicited Commercial Electronic Messages (UCEM), commonly known as spam. In a statement, MCMC said the initiative is pursuant to Section 233A of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which was introduced following legislative amendments gazetted in February 2025. The proposed framework aims to strengthen consumer protection, promote responsible digital marketing practices, and foster a safer and more trustworthy digital ecosystem. In line with the new provision, MCMC is developing subsidiary legislation to establish a clear, coherent and enforceable structure to address the increasing prevalence of UCEM. The public consultation invites feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, including industry players, civil society organisations, consumer groups, lawmakers and members of the public. Stakeholders are invited to review the consultation document and provide feedback on the proposed regulatory approach during the consultation period from Aug 13 until 5pm on Aug 27. "This initiative reflects the commission's commitment to a transparent, inclusive, consultative and evidence-based policymaking process," MCMC said.
The Sun
13-08-2025
- Business
- The Sun
MCMC seeks public feedback on new spam regulation framework
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has started a two-week public consultation on a new regulatory framework for Unsolicited Commercial Electronic Messages (UCEM), commonly known as spam. The move follows amendments to Section 233A of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which were gazetted in February 2025. The proposed framework aims to strengthen consumer protection and encourage responsible digital marketing practices. MCMC is developing subsidiary legislation to create a clear and enforceable structure to tackle the rising issue of spam messages. Industry players, civil society groups, consumer associations, lawmakers, and the public are invited to share their feedback. The consultation period runs from August 13 to August 27, 2025, with submissions closing at 5 pm on the final day. 'This initiative reflects the Commission's commitment to a transparent, inclusive, consultative and evidence-based policymaking process,' MCMC said. Interested parties can review the consultation document and submit feedback via the MCMC website. - Bernama
Barnama
13-08-2025
- Business
- Barnama
MCMC Begins Public Consultation On Regulatory Framework For UCEM
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 13 (Bernama) — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) today commenced a two-week public consultation on the proposed Regulatory Framework for Unsolicited Commercial Electronic Messages (UCEM), or commonly known as spam. In a statement, MCMC said the initiative is pursuant to Section 233A of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA 1998), which was introduced following legislative amendments gazetted in February 2025. The proposed framework aims to strengthen consumer protection, promote responsible digital marketing practices, and foster a safer and more trustworthy digital ecosystem.
