Malaysia’s Social Media License Framework Takes Effect: WeChat and TikTok Comply, X and Google Miss Deadline
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced on January 1 that the nation’s new social media operating license framework has officially come into force. Under regulations established in July 2023, platforms with over eight million registered users in Malaysia were required to secure licenses by December 31, 2024. Failure to comply results in potential legal action and operational bans. Major platforms WeChat and TikTok successfully obtained their licenses before the deadline, while Telegram’s application is in final stages and Meta has initiated the process. Conversely, X (formerly Twitter) and Google did not meet the deadline. X stated it falls below the user threshold, reporting 5.71 million users, while Google raised concerns regarding the classification of its video-sharing services. The MCMC has reviewed Google’s objections and affirmed that YouTube must comply if it meets the criteria. This regulatory shift underscores Malaysia’s tightening control over digital platforms, aiming to ensure accountability and adherence to local laws among major tech operators serving the Malaysian market.
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Malaysia’s Social Media License Framework Takes Effect: WeChat and TikTok Comply, X and Google Miss Deadline
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced on January 1 that the nation’s new social media operating license framework has officially come into force. Under regulations established in July 2023, platforms with over eight million registered users in Malaysia were required to secure licenses by December 31, 2024. Failure to comply results in potential legal action and operational bans. Major platforms WeChat and TikTok successfully obtained their licenses before the deadline, while Telegram’s application is in final stages and Meta has initiated the process. Conversely, X (formerly Twitter) and Google did not meet the deadline. X stated it falls below the user threshold, reporting 5.71 million users, while Google raised concerns regarding the classification of its video-sharing services. The MCMC has reviewed Google’s objections and affirmed that YouTube must comply if it meets the criteria. This regulatory shift underscores Malaysia’s tightening control over digital platforms, aiming to ensure accountability and adherence to local laws among major tech operators serving the Malaysian market.
TechNode