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Cybersecurity

Malaysia's new social media rules draw mixed reactions

Opposition concerns over curbs on freedoms contrast with calls to tackle cybercrime

Malaysian ministers say the new licensing system for social media and messaging services is a necessary step to safeguard the online space. Civil society groups have strongly criticized it as a move toward increased censorship and authoritarianism. (Photo by Norman Goh)

KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia's new licensing system for social media and messaging services is drawing mixed reactions as calls for online safety clash with fears that the government could abuse it to stifle free speech and its critics.

After a 30-year-old social media influencer died by suicide last month over cyberbullying, a massive public outcry prompted the government to accelerate the introduction of the system.

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