PUTRAJAYA: Google and X, two major tech giants, have yet to apply for a new class license required under a regulatory framework that took effect on January 1 in Malaysia.
The new licensing regulations, announced in July last year, aim to protect the public from potential online harm. Social media and messaging platforms with a user base of at least eight million registered users in Malaysia are required to comply with the new rules.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) reported that Google, which operates YouTube, raised concerns regarding the classification of the platform’s video-sharing features under the new framework.
“MCMC has carefully reviewed the concerns raised and will ensure that YouTube, along with other platforms that meet the licensing criteria, fulfill their responsibilities under the new licensing framework,” the commission stated.
On the other hand, X has informed MCMC that its Malaysian user base has yet to meet the required threshold of eight million. MCMC is currently reviewing X’s claim and will continue discussions to evaluate the platform’s position.
In contrast, several other leading platforms have either made substantial progress toward obtaining the necessary licenses or are in the final stages of the process. Tencent’s WeChat was the first platform to be granted the Application Service Provider Class license, followed by TikTok, owned by ByteDance.
Telegram is reportedly close to completing the licensing process, while Meta, which oversees Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has begun the application procedure and is expected to finalize it shortly.
MCMC has stated that it will closely monitor platforms that fail to comply with the new licensing requirements, with potential penalties under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. Non-compliant platforms may face fines of up to RM500,000 (US$111,600), imprisonment for up to five years, or a fine of RM1,000 for each day of non-compliance.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil reassured that Malaysia does not intend to block or ban any social media platforms, emphasizing that these platforms remain an important market for the country, contributing value to its digital economy.
The regulatory push follows the tragic death of Rajeswary Appahu, a beauty influencer known as Esha, who was found dead in her home on July 5 after reporting harassment in a TikTok live session. This incident prompted the government to review its approach to online service providers, particularly in addressing issues of cyberbullying.
WeChat has approximately 12 million users in Malaysia, according to data from World Population Review. Meanwhile, recent figures from advisory firm Kepios show that as of early 2024, YouTube had 24.1 million users in Malaysia, TikTok had 28.68 million users aged 18 and above, Facebook had 22.35 million users, and X had 5.71 million users.
Subscribe to us: