The Malaysia Communication and Multimedia Commission has confirmed that so far four social media platforms have applied for license to operate their platforms in the country.
The new rules for social media platforms to have a license to operate in Malaysia kicks in effective January 1 2025 or they could see access to their services being restricted.
Malaysia made a pivotal move towards safer digital platforms as the Class Licence for Application Service Providers (CSP) for social media providers.
Implemented under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), the licencing initiative the government said aims to enhance online safety, safeguard users and improve regulatory oversight of social media and internet messaging platforms.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), on July 27 2024, mandated that all social media and messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia must secure the licence.
Failure to comply by the enforcement date constitutes an offence under Act 588 and may result in legal action, according to MCMC.
As of Dec 31 2024, Telegram and Tencent (WeChat) are among the platforms that have submitted their licencing applications.
