PUTRAJAYA: Google and X have yet to apply for the new class licenses required by Malaysia’s updated regulatory framework, which took effect on January 1.
The new licensing guidelines, introduced in July last year, aim to safeguard the public from online risks. Social media and messaging platforms with a user base exceeding eight million registered users in Malaysia must comply with the updated rules.
In contrast, other leading platforms have made significant progress toward obtaining the necessary licenses. Tencent’s WeChat was the first to secure the Application Service Provider Class license, with ByteDance’s TikTok following suit. Telegram is in the final stages of obtaining its license, while Meta—owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—has begun its application process and is expected to complete it shortly.
According to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Google raised concerns about the classification of YouTube’s video-sharing features under the new framework. The commission has assured that it will ensure YouTube and other platforms meeting the necessary criteria adhere to the regulations.
As for X, the company informed MCMC that its user base in Malaysia has not yet reached the eight million threshold. MCMC is currently reviewing the situation and will continue discussions with X to confirm the platform’s status.
MCMC warned that any platform failing to meet the licensing requirements may face penalties under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, including fines up to RM500,000 (US$111,600), imprisonment for up to five years, or a daily fine of RM1,000 for continued non-compliance.
Despite the enforcement of these new regulations, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil clarified that Malaysia has no plans to block or ban any social media platforms, highlighting their growing importance to the country’s digital market.
The decision to implement these regulatory measures followed the tragic death of social media influencer Rajeswary Appahu, known as Esha, who passed away after reporting harassment during a live TikTok session. This incident prompted the government to reassess its stance on online safety, particularly in addressing issues like cyberbullying.
Recent data from World Population Review indicates that WeChat has around 12 million users in Malaysia, while Kepios data shows YouTube with 24.1 million users, TikTok with 28.68 million users aged 18 and older, Facebook with 22.35 million users, and X with 5.71 million users as of early 2024.
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