KUALA LUMPUR — Starting next year, Malaysians will see a major change in how big social media and messaging platforms are regulated.
Under a new rule called the Deeming Provision, companies like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube will automatically fall under Malaysia’s licensing framework, without having to go through the usual registration process.
So what does this mean for everyday users? In simple terms, the Deeming Provision — introduced as Section 46A of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA) — gives the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) stronger powers to hold large platforms accountable.
According to an FAQ by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), once a platform is “deemed” registered, it is legally treated as a licensee in Malaysia.
That means it must follow Malaysian laws, comply with safety standards, and respond to regulatory requirements just like any other licensed service provider.
The rule came into force in February 2025, but its biggest impact will be felt from January 1, 2026, when platforms with more than eight million users in Malaysia are automatically deemed registered.
MCMC says this approach is designed to close regulatory gaps, especially for services run from outside the country, and to make sure global platforms are governed consistently under Malaysian law.
“This initiative ensures that all platforms involved bear clearer responsibility for user safety, particularly in safeguarding children and families,” the commission said.
For consumers, the change is not expected to disrupt how they use their favorite apps. WhatsApp chats, TikTok videos, and YouTube streams will continue as usual.
What changes is behind the scenes: platforms must appoint a local representative in Malaysia to act as a point of contact for regulators, handle compliance matters, and accept official documents. They are not required to open a physical office, but they must have someone locally accountable.
The obligations are significant. Deemed licensees must comply with the CMA, its subsidiary legislation, and all relevant Malaysian laws. If they fail to do so, they risk fines and other penalties.
Platforms already registered under the existing licensing system will remain registered until their current term ends, after which the deeming provision will apply.
The move is part of Malaysia’s broader effort to strengthen online safety. A licensing framework for internet messaging and social media providers was introduced in January 2025, and the deeming provision builds on that foundation.
By targeting large platforms, regulators hope to ensure better compliance with national laws, particularly in tackling harmful and illegal content online. MCMC says it will continue working with service providers and law enforcement agencies to improve protections for children and families.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has announced that major Internet messaging and social media service providers with eight million or more users in Malaysia will be deemed registered as Applications Service Provider Class (ASP(C)) licensees, in a move aimed at enhancing platform accountability and improving online safety, particularly for children and families.
In a statement earlier today, MCMC said the deeming provision, implemented under Section 46A of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, removes the need for affected platforms to undergo formal registration processes, while ensuring they operate within Malaysia’s legal and regulatory framework in a consistent and effective manner.
“This initiative ensures that all platforms involved bear clearer responsibility for user safety, particularly in safeguarding children and families,” MCMC said, adding that the move strengthens compliance with Malaysian laws governing online services.
The provision will apply to large-scale service providers that meet the prescribed criteria, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and will take effect on Jan 1, 2026.
Platforms that are already registered as ASP(C) licensees will remain registered, with the deeming provision only taking effect after the expiry of their existing registration period.
MCMC stressed that the affected service providers will continue to operate their global platforms as usual, and that users should not experience disruptions as a result of the new regulatory approach.
According to the commission, the move is aligned with the licensing framework for Internet messaging and social media service providers enforced from Jan 1, 2025, which aims to strengthen accountability and ensure better compliance with national laws, particularly in addressing harmful and illegal content online.
Officials also note that Malaysia’s approach mirrors international practices, reflecting a global trend of governments stepping up oversight of Big Tech.
For users, the message is clear: the apps they rely on daily will remain available, but the companies behind them will now carry greater responsibility for keeping the digital environment safe.
Further details on how the deeming provision will be implemented are available on the MCMC website. - December 15, 2025
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