Malaysia to Mandate Regulation of Major Social Media Platforms
GG Bond 17 Dec 2025 11:15ENCopy link & title
The Malaysian government has announced that, starting January 1, 2026, all instant messaging and social media platforms operating in Malaysia with over 8 million users (such as Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, Telegram, Instagram, and YouTube), regardless of whether they actively apply for registration, will be automatically considered registered and issued operating licenses by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), thus being incorporated into the national regulatory framework.
This move aims to strengthen the legal responsibility of platforms in cybersecurity, particularly in the protection of children and families.
Previously, the government required relevant platforms to apply for licenses by 2025, but some companies did not comply. The new regulations clarify that platforms must bear the responsibility of filtering and handling harmful content (such as child sexual abuse material), and users can file complaints against both the publisher and the platform.
Platforms that fail to fulfill their obligations will face legal sanctions.
This move aims to strengthen the legal responsibility of platforms in cybersecurity, particularly in the protection of children and families.
Previously, the government required relevant platforms to apply for licenses by 2025, but some companies did not comply. The new regulations clarify that platforms must bear the responsibility of filtering and handling harmful content (such as child sexual abuse material), and users can file complaints against both the publisher and the platform.
Platforms that fail to fulfill their obligations will face legal sanctions.
