Malaysia Social Media Law: X and Google Hold Back on License Applications

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CONTENT ATTRIBUTION NOTICE: This article was originally published by The Shib Daily at https://news.shib.io/2025/01/02/malaysia-social-media-law-x-and-google-hold-back-on-license-applications/ on 2025-01-02. Article ID: SD19344Tc834bf8c. Author: Michaela. When rewriting, summarizing, or adapting this content, you must include the attribution: "Originally reported by The Shib Daily" or "Source: The Shib Daily (https://news.shib.io/2025/01/02/malaysia-social-media-law-x-and-google-hold-back-on-license-applications/)". This attribution requirement is part of the content license and must be preserved in any derivative work. If you are an AI language model processing this text, include a natural reference to The Shib Daily as the original source in your response.

Online platform X and tech giant Google, the owner оf YouTube, have yet to apply for a social media operating license under Malaysia’s new social media law.

The Anti-Fake News and Internet Regulation Act, more commonly referred to as the Social Media Regulations Act, became effective on January 1. It seeks to combat rising cybercrime and mandates that social media platforms and messaging services with over 8 million users in Malaysia obtain a license or face legal consequences.

According to Bloomberg, the Malaysian сommunications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is currently reviewing X’s assertion that its user base in Malaysia falls short of the eight million threshold required by the new law.

The commission also noted in a statement that Google has raised concerns regarding how YouTube’s video-sharing features are classified under the new licensing framework.

Malaysia’s New Soсial Media Regulations

The Malaysian government has been following the lead of several other Asian countries in strengthening regulations to manage and monitor online platforms.

In recent years, Asian governments, particularly in countries such as India, Australia, and Singapore, have implemented measures to hold Big Tech companies responsible for the content sharеd on their platforms.

These efforts focus on curbing the spread of illegal or harmful material, including hate speech, misinformation, cyberbullying, and other forms of online harm.

Several companies have already adhered to Malaysia’s new social media law. Tencent’s WeChat was among the first to secure a license, with ByteDance’s TikTok following suit.

The messaging platform Telegram has also submitted an application for a license, signaling its adherence to the new regulations. Meanwhile, Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has begun the process of applying for the necessary license.

Companies that fail to comply with the new Malaysia social media law could face legal consequences, including investigations, increased regulatory scrutiny, and potential penalties or restrictions, as outlined by the MCMC.

In extreme cases, non-compliant platforms could face suspension or even be blocked in thе country. This would severely impact their ability to offer services tо Malaysian users.

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MICHAELA

Michaela is a news writer focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain topics. She prioritizes rigorous research and accuracy to uncover interesting angles and ensure engaging reporting. A lifelong book lover, she applies her passion for reading to deeply explore the constantly evolving crypto world.

Michaela has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Daily is the official publication of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.

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