MESSAGING, SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS WITH 8 MILLION USERS DEEMED LICENSED FROM 2026 - MCMC

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- All Internet messaging and social media service providers with eight million or more users in Malaysia will be automatically deemed registered as Class Licence holders for Application Service Providers [ASP(C)] from Jan 1, 2026, following the implementation of the deeming provision under Section 46A of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said the move aims to ensure large-scale service providers offering Internet messaging and social media services in Malaysia operate within the country’s legal and regulatory framework in an orderly, consistent and effective manner.

“This approach is also in line with the licensing framework for Internet messaging and social media service providers enforced from Jan 1, 2025, to strengthen accountability and compliance with Malaysian laws,” MCMC said in a statement today.

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According to the commission, the deeming provision is intended to ensure all relevant platforms assume clearer responsibility for user safety, particularly in protecting children and families.

“The implementation of the deeming provision will apply to service providers that meet the stipulated criteria, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, effective Jan 1, 2026,” the statement read.

MCMC said service providers already registered as ASP(C) licence holders will remain registered, and the deeming provision will only take effect after the expiry of their existing registration period.

The commission also stressed that affected service providers will continue to operate through their respective global platforms as usual, noting that the approach is consistent with international practices in regulating large-scale online platforms.

“MCMC will continue to work with service providers and law enforcement agencies to strengthen online safety, particularly for children and families, for the benefit of all users in Malaysia,” the commission added. 

-- BERNAMA