In 2025, the influence of Meta Platforms on Malaysian society is a complex and evolving issue, with both positive contributions and a growing number of negative impacts. As the primary social media platform for millions of Malaysians, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are deeply embedded in the nation's social and economic fabric. However, concerns have mounted regarding the spread of misinformation, the erosion of content moderation standards, and the psychological effects on users.
The Proliferation of Misinformation and Harmful Content
One of the most significant negative influences of Meta in Malaysia is the rapid and unchecked spread of misinformation, particularly on politically and socially sensitive topics. In a diverse country with strong sensitivities around race, religion, and royalty (the "3Rs"), the proliferation of false narratives can be highly destabilizing. In 2025, reports have highlighted a rise in harmful content, including hateful and violent material, following Meta's policy rollbacks on content moderation.
This issue is further exacerbated by Meta's decision to end its independent fact-checking program in the United States and replace it with a "Community Notes" model. While this change has not yet been fully implemented in Malaysia, it has raised serious concerns among local experts and the government. Critics worry that without a dedicated fact-checking system, the spread of falsehoods will accelerate, making it more difficult for the public to discern reliable information.
Government and Platform Tensions
The Malaysian government, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), has taken a more proactive stance on regulating social media. In 2025, a new social media licensing framework has been implemented, requiring platforms with over eight million users to obtain a license. This move is intended to hold platforms more accountable for harmful content and to combat cybercrimes like scams and online gambling.
However, this regulatory approach has also sparked a debate about censorship and freedom of expression. Critics, including human rights organizations, have warned that the new laws, with their vague terms and increased penalties, could be misused to stifle dissent and limit critical perspectives on social and political issues. This tension between government oversight and platform autonomy is a defining feature of the digital landscape in Malaysia in 2025.
Psychological and Social Impacts
Beyond the digital sphere, Meta's platforms continue to face scrutiny for their potential negative effects on users' mental health and social well-being. Studies and reports have highlighted the pressure on individuals, particularly young people, to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty and success. In 2025, former Meta researchers testified to the company's burying of internal studies on child safety, alleging that platforms like Instagram and VR services can expose minors to harassment and other dangers. These concerns are particularly relevant in Malaysia, where a large portion of the population, including those under 18, are active on Meta's platforms.
The platforms have also been criticized for fostering an environment of online harassment and cyberbullying. A survey conducted by human rights groups in 2025 found that many users feel "less safe" expressing themselves freely and that a significant number had been victims of or had witnessed harmful content on Meta's platforms.
In conclusion, while . The combination of a weakened content moderation system, a contentious regulatory environment, and unresolved social and psychological impacts presents a challenging outlook for the future of digital engagement in the country. Addressing these issues will require a collaborative effort from the government, the public, and Meta itself to ensure that the digital space remains a force for good.
