KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has announced that social media and internet messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia must apply for a licence starting August 1, with enforcement beginning on January 1. This new regulation aims to enhance online safety, particularly for children and families, amidst rising concerns over cybercrime and online misconduct.
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, and others must comply with Malaysian laws under the new framework. However, it remains unclear whether other digital services such as video conferencing tools and publishing platforms will be affected. MCMC emphasized that the licensing requirement targets service providers, not individual users, and aims to foster a secure online environment while improving user experience across social media platforms.
