All social media and internet messaging platforms with more than eight million users in Malaysia will be automatically deemed registered from Jan 1, 2026, making them subject to Malaysian laws and regulatory requirements.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said the move is aimed at strengthening accountability among major digital platforms, particularly in protecting user safety, including children and families.
Platforms affected include WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
MCMC said the measure ensures that large-scale service providers offering internet messaging and social media services in Malaysia operate in an orderly, consistent and effective manner within the country’s legal framework.
The initiative is aligned with the licensing framework for internet messaging and social media service providers, which came into effect on Jan 1, 2025, to enhance compliance with Malaysian laws.
Under the move, eligible platforms will be registered as Application Service Provider Class (ASP(C)) license holders through a dispensation of formalities under Section 46A of the Communications and Multimedia Act.
MCMC said platforms that are already registered as ASP(C) licensees will remain registered, with the new implementation only taking effect after their current registration period expires.
The commission added that the affected service providers will continue operating their global platforms as usual, noting that the approach is consistent with international practices for regulating large-scale online platforms.
MCMC said it will continue working closely with service providers and law enforcement agencies to further strengthen online safety in Malaysia.
