KUALA LUMPUR, December 16 – Major social media and messaging platforms including WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube will be automatically registered under Malaysia’s licensing framework from January 1, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced on December 15, a move aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight and online safety.
Under a “Deeming Provision” in the Communications and Multimedia Act, platforms with eight million or more users in Malaysia will be automatically classified as Applications Service Provider Class (ASP(C)) licensees without the need for new licence applications, while continuing to operate their global platforms as usual.
The initiative seeks to enhance accountability, particularly in protecting children and families from harmful content, and aligns with international regulatory practices. MCMC said several platforms, including WeChat, TikTok and Telegram, have already obtained licences, while Meta’s Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, as well as Google’s YouTube, are pending registration.
