Malaysia (Commonwealth Union)_ Malaysia has officially began issuing licenses to social media and messaging app providers following the implementation of a new law that mandates the regulation of online platforms. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced on Wednesday that the new legislation, which took effect on January 1, 2025, requires platforms and messaging services with over 8 million users in Malaysia to obtain a license. Accordingly, the regulator warned that failure to comply could result in legal repercussions. This move places Malaysia among a growing number of Asian nations tightening their control over online platforms. Countries like India, Australia, and Singapore have also introduced stricter regulations aimed at curbing the spread of harmful content, including hate speech, misinformation, and cyberbullying.
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These laws primarily aim to hold Big Tech companies responsible for the content they permit on their platforms.Several prominent companies have already complied with Malaysia’s new social media law. Notably, Chinese tech giants Tencent, the operator of WeChat, and ByteDance, the company behind TikTok, have both successfully obtained their licenses. Additionally, Telegram is in the final stages of the licensing process, while Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has begun the process for its platforms. However, two major companies, X and Google, which owns YouTube, have yet to submit their applications. YouTube, in particular, has raised concerns over how the new law applies to its video-sharing platform, which has led to a delay in its licensing application.
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The MCMC emphasized that companies failing to comply with the law could face investigations, increased regulatory scrutiny, and penalties. In extreme cases, platforms may be suspended or even blocked in Malaysia, which would severely impact their services in the country. The new regulation stems from amendments passed by Malaysia’s lower house of parliament on December 9, 2024. Furthermore, the changes to the Communications and Multimedia Act aim to bolster online safety, enhance user protection, especially for children and vulnerable groups, and improve regulatory oversight of digital platforms. The Malaysian government has also introduced guidelines for information and network security within the Communications and Multimedia Industry (INSG) to strengthen the resilience of the nation’s digital infrastructure.
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The MCMC has urged service providers to implement best practices as part of proactive measures to reduce cyber risks and protect users from online harm. “It aims to enhance the capability and readiness of service providers to manage cyber risks, mitigate data breaches, minimise disruptions through strengthened network infrastructure, and protect consumers from online harms,” the commission said in a statement. The guidelines also reflect Malaysia’s broader objective of building trust and safety in its digital environment. Furthermore, the introduction of these new regulations follows a surge in harmful online content earlier in 2024, including cases related to online scams, child exploitation, cyberbullying, and controversial topics such as race, religion, and royalty. The government has called for tighter monitoring of social media platforms to prevent the spread of such content. The new laws especially impact platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, which have millions of active users in Malaysia. TikTok alone has more than 28 million users aged 18 and above in Malaysia, highlighting the importance of regulatory compliance in the region.
Malaysia’s increased regulatory oversight is part of a wider global trend where governments are increasingly holding social media and messaging platforms accountable for the content they host. The new licensing requirement places a responsibility on tech companies to ensure that their services comply with local laws and contribute to a safer online environment. For businesses operating in Malaysia, securing a license is now a crucial step in maintaining access to one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic digital markets. As the region faces growing challenges related to online content regulation, the Malaysian government’s move signals a commitment to enhancing online safety while balancing the needs of users and digital service providers.
