Malaysia’s New Regulatory Platform Law Sparks Policy Shift
Malaysia’s communications regulator has granted Tencent’s WeChat and ByteDance’s TikTok licenses to operate under a new social media law. However, other platforms face scrutiny for non-compliance. The law took effect on January 1. It mandates licenses for social media and messaging services with over eight million Malaysian users. The aim is to combat rising cybercrime.
Telegram is reportedly in the final stages of securing its license. Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has started the licensing process. Meanwhile, X (formerly Twitter) claims its local user base does not meet the eight million threshold. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is investigating X’s claims. Alphabet’s YouTube has also not applied, citing concerns about how the law classifies its video-sharing features. The MCMC stated, “Platform providers found to be in violation of licensing requirements may be subject to investigation and regulatory actions.”
This regulatory push contrasts sharply with the government’s earlier stance on online freedom. During Najib Razak’s tenure, the then-opposition, including current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, strongly opposed laws targeting fake news, citing the importance of freedom of expression. Critics argue that this new law reflects a significant policy reversal. The new law imposes stringent controls on platforms under the guise of tackling cybercrime. Detractors warn that such measures could stifle free speech and subject legitimate content to excessive scrutiny, creating an environment of self-censorship.
Social Media Platform Regulatory Laws to Combat Rising Cybercrime
Malaysia’s action reflects growing concerns over harmful online content. Authorities have noted a sharp rise in social media issues, including scams, cyberbullying, child exploitation, and sensitive topics such as race and religion. Platforms like Meta and TikTok have been urged to enhance content monitoring. Notably, WeChat has 12 million users in Malaysia, TikTok has 28.68 million users aged 18 and above, and YouTube boasts 24.1 million users, according to advisory firm Kepios. Facebook and X have 22.35 million and 5.71 million users, respectively.
The push for the social media law also contrasts with past initiatives by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to attract tech investments. PM Anwar held several online meetings with Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Even promising incentives such as waiving local director and shareholding requirements. Despite these assurances, Tesla’s commitments to Malaysia have yet to materialize, raising questions about the efficacy of such concessions.
This regulatory move underlines Malaysia’s intent to balance fostering tech innovation with safeguarding its digital landscape. However, the perceived shift from championing online freedoms to imposing stricter controls may impact its credibility both domestically and internationally. As compliance deadlines loom, the actions of major platforms will shape the country’s tech ecosystem and regulatory legacy.
