KUALA LUMPUR — 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 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.
“MCMC will continue to work closely with service providers and other law enforcement agencies to strengthen online safety, particularly for children and families, for the benefit of all users in Malaysia,” the regulator said.
The commission added that the approach mirrors international practices in regulating large-scale online platforms, reflecting Malaysia’s commitment to ensuring a safer digital environment while allowing global services to continue operating in the country.
Further details on the implementation of the deeming provision are available on the MCMC website. – December 15, 2025