Michaela Alvez
Online platform X and tech giant Google, the owner of 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 Communications 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 Social 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 shared 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 the country. This would severely impact their ability to offer services to Malaysian users.
Read More
- Malaysian Police Dismantles Cryptocurrency Fraud Call Center Targeting Japanese Citizens
- Elon Musk’s Kekius Maximus Name Change Sparks Meme Coin Frenzy
- Pudgy Penguins Targeted in Google Ads Phishing Scam on Web3 Users
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 Magazine and The Shib Daily are the official media and publications 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.
