COMMENT | Article 19 and the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) are deeply concerned about the recent announcement by the government that a new regulatory framework will be introduced on Aug 1, with enforcement effective Jan 1, 2025, for social media companies to obtain licences under the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998.

This development is seen as a direct attempt to exert control over social media platforms, which could have far-reaching implications for freedom of expression guaranteed in the Federal Constitution.

Furthermore, there is a growing apprehension that such regulatory measures could pose a significant threat to the fundamental democratic values that underpin the nation's governance and the underlying principle of CMA Section 3(3), which states that “nothing in the CMA shall be construed as permitting the censorship of the internet”.

Civil society organisations (CSOs), including Article 19 and CIJ, which have been previously engaged for...