KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 26): Telegram and Tencent’s WeChat have begun the process of obtaining the requisite licence to operate their platforms in Malaysia next year, according to regulator Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
All applicable service providers are reminded to submit their applications by Dec 31 this year to avoid potential regulatory action.
“Failure to do so may result in regulatory actions to be initiated, which all parties are keen to avoid,” MCMC said in a statement on Thursday.
The focus on social media and messaging applications’ licensing comes after the MCMC issued its licensing framework back in August.
The framework, which takes effect on Jan 1, 2025, brought social media and internet messaging services under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and requires applicable service providers to have application service class licences to operate in the country or face regulatory action.
Together with the Online Safety Act passed in Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara earlier this month, and slated to be gazetted after being given royal assent, MCMC can enforce content moderation on licensed social media and messaging platforms.
Prior to the introduction of the new regulatory framework, service providers were not required to be licensed and MCMC’s directives held no legal authority.
MCMC reiterated that the licensing requirement aims to enhance online safety, user protection and regulatory oversight for internet messaging service and social media service providers.
“This framework is designed to foster a trusted and safe online environment by calling service providers to protect users, especially children and vulnerable groups,” the regulator said.
“Malaysia will benefit from improved safety, better user experiences, and enhancing protection against harmful content,” it added.
MCMC lauded Telegram and Tencent for their commitment to complying with licensing requirements, adding that both platforms are expected to meet the necessary requirements to operate in Malaysia soon.
Other platforms expected to follow suit with applications for licences include Meta’s Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, Google’s YouTube as well as ByteDance’s TikTok.