The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission announced on Monday that, as of 1 January 2026, all Internet instant communication and social media service providers with more than 8 million users in Malaysia would automatically be considered as licence holders for the registered application service provider category, in accordance with section 46A of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
The Committee indicated that this was intended to ensure orderly, consistent and effective compliance with the national legal and regulatory framework by large service providers operating in Malaysia. “This measure is also in line with the framework for the licensing of Internet instant communication and social media service providers, which was introduced on 1 January 2025, to enhance accountability and compliance with Malaysian law. The Committee notes that the “presumption clause” is intended to ensure that the relevant platform has a clearer responsibility for the safety of users, particularly with regard to the protection of children and families. “This measure will apply to service providers that meet established standards, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, effective 1 January 2026.”
The qualifications of service providers registered as licence holders in the application service provider category will continue to be valid and the “presumption clause” will apply after the expiry of the existing registration. The Committee stressed that affected service providers would continue to function normally through their respective global platforms and said that such practices were consistent with international practice in regulating large online platforms. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission added that it would continue to work with service providers and law enforcement agencies to strengthen safety and security of the network, particularly for the protection of children and families for the benefit of all Malaysian users.
It is worth mentioning that following Australia ‘ s ban on social media for young people under 16 years of age, Malaysia plans to take similar measures from next year. At the same time, new provisions on science and technology platforms and youth safety have been introduced in Indonesia, Denmark and Brazil.