29-7-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) In a bold move to combat the rising tide of cyber offences, the Malaysian government has announced a new licensing regime for social media platforms operating within its borders. From 1 August, any social media service boasting more than 8 million users in Malaysia will be required to apply for an operating license, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to digital governance.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) unveiled this groundbreaking initiative on Saturday, emphasising that the licensing requirement aligns with the cabinet’s decision to ensure social media and internet messaging services comply with Malaysian laws. These laws are specifically aimed at tackling a trio of digital-age concerns: scams, cyberbullying, and sexual crimes.
The MCMC has set a clear deadline for compliance, stating that social media services failing to secure a license by 1 January 2025 will face legal repercussions. This move underscores the government’s determination to establish a more regulated online environment.
The announcement follows recent statements by Malaysia’s Communications Minister, Fahmi Fadzil, who revealed that the regulator had already issued directives to social media firms. These directives sought feedback on the government’s concerns regarding cybercrime and harmful content proliferating on their platforms.
This regulatory push comes in response to a worrying uptick in harmful social media content reported earlier this year. The Malaysian authorities had previously urged major players in the social media landscape, including Meta (formerly Facebook) and TikTok, to enhance their content monitoring efforts.
Under the current system, the communications regulator can flag content that contravenes local laws to social media companies. However, the final decision on content removal has rested with the platforms themselves. This new licensing requirement suggests a potential shift towards greater government oversight in content moderation.
