Meta to Join Licensed Social Media Platforms in Malaysia
Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is set to receive its Application Service Provider Class Licence (ASP (C)) in Malaysia, following in the footsteps of Tencent’s WeChat, ByteDance’s TikTok, and Telegram.
Smooth Progress Expected for Meta
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil confirmed that Meta is actively addressing concerns raised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
“I expect the process to proceed smoothly. So far, WeChat, TikTok, and Telegram have been licensed, while Meta is coming soon,” said Fahmi during a media conference.
Regulatory Compliance and Pending Discussions
Google (YouTube) and X (formerly Twitter)
Discussions are ongoing with Google and X to finalize their licensing, particularly concerning their user base and regulatory adherence. Fahmi noted that MCMC is verifying X’s claim that it has fewer than eight million Malaysian users, a threshold relevant for licensing.
YouTube’s classification as a social media platform was clarified due to the rise of YouTube Shorts, which functions similarly to TikTok with sharing and commenting features.
LinkedIn Under Review
The minister also directed MCMC to examine whether LinkedIn meets the criteria for licensing, given its potentially significant user base in Malaysia.
Commitment to Content Regulation
Fahmi emphasized that all platforms, licensed or not, remain accountable for removing illegal content, such as online gambling advertisements.
“For instance, YouTube acts promptly on flagged illegal content, even though it’s not yet licensed,” he stated.
Why the Licensing Matters
The licensing initiative is part of Malaysia’s broader efforts to regulate internet messaging and social media platforms, ensuring accountability in addressing illegal content, misinformation, and cybersecurity threats.
The licensing of platforms like TikTok and WeChat underscores the government’s focus on building a more secure and compliant digital environment.
Conclusion
With Meta Platforms nearing the completion of its licensing process and ongoing discussions with Google and X, Malaysia is taking firm steps toward regulating its digital space. These measures aim to balance platform accountability with a thriving online ecosystem.
Stay tuned as Malaysia continues to refine its regulatory framework for a more secure and transparent digital future.
