Malaysia announced a new licensing requirement for social media platforms operating in the country, targeting services with over 8 million users.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission stated that this measure, set to take effect on August 1, aims to combat rising cyber offenses.

Under the new rule, social media and internet messaging services must comply with Malaysian laws focused on fighting scams, cyberbullying, and sexual crimes. 

The commission emphasized that platforms failing to apply for a license by January 1, 2025, will face legal action.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil recently reported that the regulator has already issued directives to social media firms, seeking feedback on the government’s concerns regarding cybercrime and harmful content on their platforms.

According to Reuters, this move follows Malaysia’s recent report of a sharp increase in harmful social media content.

The government has urged companies like Meta (Facebook’s parent) and TikTok to enhance content monitoring on their platforms.

The communications regulator can flag content that violates local laws, but the platforms make the final decision on content removal. 

On June 28, civil society condemned the government’s plan to license platforms in an open letter to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“We, the undersigned organizations and individuals, are gravely concerned with the recent report of the cabinet’s approval of the move towards a licensing regime for social media,” they wrote.

“It is an abuse of power and poor governance for the government to insist that online content and expression align only with its agenda and values and is free from criticism of the state.”