Malaysia Moving Forward with Social Media Licensing

The Malaysian government, led by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, is set to implement a licensing requirement for social media and internet messaging services starting January 1, 2025, despite concerns from the Asia Internet Coalition (AIC), which includes major tech companies like Google and Meta. The AIC has urged the government to reconsider the regulations, citing potential burdens on businesses and a lack of clarity, but Fadzil confirmed that there will be no delays in the rollout. He emphasized that compliance with local laws is necessary for tech companies operating in Malaysia and expressed willingness to engage with stakeholders for feedback. The minister also noted that AIC does not represent all tech platforms, as some members are not directly related to social media. Ongoing discussions with industry representatives have reportedly yielded positive feedback regarding the licensing framework. The government aims to enhance online safety, particularly for children and families, through this regulatory framework.