The enforcement of the Deeming Provision for major internet messaging and social media service providers, effective Jan 1, 2026, has been welcomed by parents grappling with the challenges of raising children in an increasingly digital world.
Many parents view the automatic registration of service providers with eight million or more users in Malaysia as more than a regulatory update, describing it as a crucial step toward ensuring better oversight of children’s online activities.
Teacher Ramallah Abd Rahman, 40, said the move by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is timely in safeguarding children from online risks, particularly exposure to harmful content.
“It not only enhances safety but also helps create a more responsible and structured internet ecosystem for young users. Such controls are essential to ensure children have access to appropriate and safe content,” she told Bernama.
Technical assistant Nor Mohd Shahril Md Ariffin, 41, also expressed support for the initiative, saying it would contribute to a safer and more ethical digital environment.
“As a father of two young children aged five and eight, I believe mandatory registration of major messaging and social media providers is important. Although we do not allow our children to use mobile phones, they are still exposed to the internet through platforms like YouTube,” he said.
He added that his children spend much of their day at school, where they may access the internet through their friends’ devices.
Meanwhile, school teacher Nik Nurul Haslinda Nik Abd Razak, 40, described the Deeming Provision as an effective measure to curb cyberbullying and filter harmful online content for children and teenagers.
“The tighter controls on messaging and social media platforms will help protect students from unhealthy digital content. However, parents must also play an active role in monitoring their children’s social media activities,” she said.
On Dec 15, MCMC announced that all internet messaging and social media service providers with eight million or more users in Malaysia will automatically be deemed registered as Application Service Provider Class [ASP(C)] licensees starting Jan 1, 2026. This will be implemented under the Deeming Provision in Section 46A of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
According to MCMC, the move is aimed at ensuring that major service providers operating in Malaysia comply with the country’s legal and regulatory framework in an orderly, consistent, and effective manner.
