Malaysia’s communications regulator said on Monday it will deem internet messaging and social media service providers with eight million or more users in the country as registered licensees under its Applications Service Provider Class framework, easing formal licensing requirements under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said in a statement that this step ensures that large-scale service providers offering internet messaging
and social media services to users in Malaysia operate within the country’s legal and regulatory framework in an orderly, consistent and effective manner.
This approach is also aligned with the licensing framework for Internet messaging and social media service providers, enforced on 1 January 2025, to strengthen accountability and compliance with Malaysian law.
This initiative also ensures that all platforms involved bear clearer responsibility for user safety, particularly in safeguarding children and families.
The implementation of the Deeming Provision, which applies to service providers that meet the prescribed criteria, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, will take effect on January 1, 2026.
It is noted that internet messaging and social media service providers that are already registered as an ASP(C) licensee will remain registered, and this implementation will take effect only after their existing registration period has expired.
The service providers involved will continue to operate their global platform as usual.
This approach aligns with international practices for regulating large-scale online platforms.
MCMC said it will continue to work closely with service providers and other law enforcement agencies to strengthen online safety, particularly for children and families, for the benefit of all users in Malaysia.