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MAJOR social media and internet messaging platforms operating in Malaysia with at least eight million users are deemed registered as Application Service Providers (ASPs) starting 1 January, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said.
“The measure applies to widely used platforms including WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube,” MCMC stated.
According to the MCMC, the move removes the need for formal registration under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, while ensuring that large-scale digital platforms operate within Malaysia’s legal and regulatory framework.
The decision aligns with a newly implemented licensing framework for internet messaging and social media services that took effect on 1 January, aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight, accountability and compliance with Malaysian laws.
In a statement, the commission said the framework is intended to place clearer responsibility on platform operators for user safety, particularly in safeguarding children and families online.
The MCMC stressed that the policy will not disrupt the global operations of the affected companies and reflects international regulatory practices governing large-scale online platforms.
“MCMC will continue to work with service providers and law enforcement agencies to enhance online safety, with a focus on protecting children and families for the benefit of all users in Malaysia,” it said.
Details on the implementation are available on the MCMC’s website. – December 15, 2025
