Proposed registration of FB users with MCMC difficult to implement

KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed registration of Facebook users with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) appears to be difficult to implement as this will require the direct cooperation of the social website's founder.
Malaysian Mobile Content Providers Association (MMCP) president, Johary Mustapha said to date, no country had managed to do so as the number of Facebook account owners worldwide had reached 1.3 billion with 15 million of them in Malaysia.
"Malaysia requires the cooperarion of the Facebook server which operates in the US to enable its people to register with MCMC but logically, can this be implemented?
"From the industry's viewpoint, it is not relevant for the social website server to give special exemption to any party for this purpose (registration) as such an action will only inconvenience the Facebook users," he said when contacted by Bernama, here.
Johary was responding to the suggestion by several non-governmental organisations and academicians for the government to consider requiring Facebook account owners to register with MCMC in order to facilitate detection of the identity of account owners.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek had said that so far, the ministry found no necessity to impose compulsory registration of Facebook users in efforts to curb misuse of the cyber website.
He also stressed that the government never had any intention to close down Facebook in Malaysia although there had been numerous reports on misuse of the website.
Johary, meanwhile, urged Facebook users to practise self-censorship with regard to the postings which they share on social websites. "Facebook users should be discerning on the content of any news before sharing it with others or pressing "like" as there are some postings which insult the royal rulers, religion or race, thus should not be shared but be erased or reported to Facebook," he said.
Internet business millionaire Irfan Khairi who shares Johary's views, said barring any dubious or offensive content is the responsibility of users themselves.
"Facebook users need to have a greater sense of responsibility in using the social website by not indiscriminately sharing unverified information or news, as well as racist or seditious comments which could threaten harmony among Malaysia's multiracial society," he said.
Irfan said the public should be aware that offences committed through the internet could result in them facing the law. "What cannot be committed outside the cyber world, also cannot be committed on the internet, and offenders can be charged and convicted under the law," he added. – Bernama