Social Media Platforms Will Require MCMC Licences To Operate
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has recently announced that all social media and internet messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia must apply for a Class Licence for Application Service Providers.
This new requirement appears to be part of a new regulatory framework for a safer internet for children and families. Social media platforms that meet the user count will be required to apply for the licence from 1 August onwards. Enforcement of the licence will come into effect on 1 January 2025.
Failure to obtain a licence after the effective date would be an offence, and appropriate legal action can be taken under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588).
Social media users will not be affected by this new requirement. The regulatory framework only applies to services that meet the licensing eligibility criteria. This measure is expected to create a safer online ecosystem and a better user experience, especially for children and families.
Which platforms will require licences from MCMC?
As mentioned previously, the new licensing regulations will target social media platforms and internet messaging platforms with at least 8 million registered Malaysian users.
This means that the major platforms that will require the licences include:
- YouTube
- TikTok
- Telegram
- X (formerly known as Twitter)
Due to the rise of generative AI, online scams are becoming more sophisticated with criminals using convincing videos of well-known celebrities and public figures for investment scheme fraud.
The online platforms mentioned typically have their own self-regulatory framework to help prevent criminal and malicious activity using said platforms. However, this does relatively little to stop scammers from misusing their platforms to amplify scam activities to target more victims.
The MCMC has shared previously that the power to act on social media scams is limited as the current policies are ineffective in handling platforms hosted overseas.
