Meta given until Oct 2 to respond over WhatsApp account issues, says MCMC

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is seeking a detailed response from Meta concerning issues involving suspended, inaccessible, or unauthorized access to WhatsApp accounts. In a recent statement, MCMC reported receiving 92 complaints related to the matter. The commission submitted an official request to Meta on September 25, followed by talks with the technology company on September 28.

Meta has been given until October 2 to provide feedback and an immediate solution for affected user accounts. Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil instructed MCMC to clarify Meta’s response regarding hacking and the deactivation of WhatsApp accounts. Account takeovers or hacking are different issues, according to MCMC, as hacked accounts can be used for scams, spam, or violating WhatsApp’s terms of service, leading to blocking by the platform.