PUTRAJAYA: Google and X have not yet applied for the new class licenses mandated by Malaysia’s updated regulatory framework, which took effect on January 1.
The new licensing requirements, introduced in July last year, are intended to protect the public from potential online risks. Social media platforms and messaging services with more than eight million registered users in Malaysia must comply with the new regulations.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) shared that Google, which owns YouTube, had raised concerns about how its video-sharing features are categorized under the new rules.
“MCMC has reviewed the concerns and will ensure that YouTube, along with other qualifying platforms, complies with the required obligations,” the commission stated.
Meanwhile, X informed MCMC that its user base in Malaysia has not yet hit the required threshold of eight million. MCMC is currently examining this claim and will continue engaging with X to verify the platform’s status.
Other major platforms, however, are in the process of obtaining their licenses. Tencent’s WeChat was the first to secure the Application Service Provider Class license, followed by ByteDance’s TikTok.
Telegram is reportedly in the final stages of obtaining its license, while Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has already begun the licensing application process and is expected to finalize it soon.
MCMC emphasized that it will keep an eye on platforms that have not yet obtained their licenses, and non-compliant platforms may face penalties under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. These penalties could include fines of up to RM500,000 (US$111,600), up to five years in prison, or a daily fine of RM1,000 for each day of non-compliance.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil assured that Malaysia has no intention to block or ban social media platforms, highlighting their importance to the country's digital economy.
The new regulations were introduced following the tragic death of Rajeswary Appahu, a social media influencer known as Esha, who was found dead after reporting harassment in a TikTok live session. This incident led the government to reassess its approach to online platforms, particularly in addressing issues like cyberbullying.
According to data from World Population Review, WeChat has 12 million users in Malaysia. Additionally, figures from Kepios show that in early 2024, YouTube had 24.1 million users, TikTok had 28.68 million users aged 18 and older, Facebook had 22.35 million users, and X had 5.71 million users.
Subscribe to us: