Previously, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced that messaging and social media platforms must apply for a license to operate locally if they have eight million or more users. Earlier today, the Commission has announced that two such platforms have begun the application process – Telegram and Tencent’s WeChat.
In the statement, the MCMC said that “both platforms are expected to meet the necessary requirements to operate in Malaysia soon”. Not much else in terms of details were shared regarding the process.
The MCMC commended both platforms, and reminded other service providers to submit their own applications for the license before 31 December 2024. The licensing requirement will be effecting immediately once the New Year rolls over, and service providers that fail to get their license by then “may result in regulatory actions to be initiated, which all parties are keen to avoid”.
In case you missed it, the MCMC introduced the regulation in the name of tackling increased cybercrime such as scams and online fraud, as well as cyberbullying and sexual crimes against children, among others. The commission also published a draft of the Code of Conduct (Best Practice) to gather feedback, with an updated report earlier this month.
(Source: MCMC / X)
