As of January 1, Malaysia requires all social networks operating in the country to obtain a special license to comply with updated legislation, Bloomberg reports, citing the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). This regulation aims to ensure accountability for illegal content distribution on online platforms.
According to MCMC, X has not applied for the license, citing that its Malaysian user base remains below the 8 million threshold, which necessitates licensing. Meanwhile, Google is negotiating with local authorities to exclude YouTube from being categorized as a social network, potentially exempting it from the requirement.
Efforts to Curb Illegal Content
Malaysia’s new law aligns with similar measures adopted by other Asian countries to regulate social media platforms. The goal is to combat the distribution of prohibited content, such as fraudulent material and child pornography, while also addressing concerns about platforms influencing public opinion on sensitive political issues.
Among the first companies to comply with the licensing mandate were Chinese tech giant Tencent, which owns WeChat, and ByteDance, the owner of TikTok. Meta Platforms, responsible for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, along with Telegram, are currently in the process of obtaining their licenses.
Ongoing Negotiations and Future Updates
While some companies have swiftly adapted to the new regulations, others, such as X and Google, remain in negotiations or have opted to delay compliance, adds NIXsolutions. We’ll keep you updated as these discussions progress and as more platforms navigate the new legal landscape in Malaysia.
This development reflects a growing global trend toward increased scrutiny and regulation of social networks, emphasizing the importance of ensuring platform accountability while safeguarding users.