So... The Social Media Licence Deadline Is Up. Which Platforms Actually Applied For It?
The deadline was 1 January 2025.
In July 2024, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced that a government licence must be obtained in order for social media and online messaging platforms to continue operating in Malaysia
Now, a day after its 1 January 2025 deadline, several popular platforms have already obtained the licence or are in the process of obtaining it.
MCMC confirmed in a statement that Tencent and ByteDance are the only two entities that have been granted the Applications Service Providers Class (ASPC) Licence for their platforms, WeChat and TikTok, respectively.
Previously, the government commended Tencent and Telegram for their efforts in meeting the licencing requirements
Tencent led the charge, becoming the first service provider to receive the newly implemented licence.
Image via Dado Ruvic / Reuters
The government body also confirmed that Telegram is in the final stages of the application process and is expected to receive the licence soon.
Meta, on the other hand, has initiated the licencing process for its three largely popular platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube have yet to apply for the ASPC licence, though
X Corp. has not applied for the licence for X as it reported that the social media platform does not meet the minimum requirement of eight million users, a criterion that was set when the law was first introduced. MCMC said that it will review the validity of this claim.
Tech giant Google, which operates YouTube, has also not applied for the licence after it raised concerns about YouTube's classification within the law's framework due to its video-sharing functions.
MCMC has said these issues have been discussed and that it will ensure YouTube and other relevant platform providers are informed about their responsibilities to comply with the new law.
Image via freestocks.org / Pexels
Appropriate action may be taken under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for platforms that do not obtain the licence.
The new mandate is aimed at protecting Malaysians from online dangers
The licensing framework focuses on creating a safer virtual ecosystem by enhancing online safety, protecting Malaysians from harmful content, and improving the overall user experience.
Every social media and online messaging platform with over 8 million users is required to obtain the licence if it wishes to continue operating in the country.
Read more of our tech stories here:
Leave a comment