M Club World – Malaysia Implements New Law: TikTok and WeChat Get Licenses, Meta and YouTube Still in Process
Malaysia’s communications regulator has taken a bold step by granting operational licenses to Tencent’s WeChat and ByteDance’s TikTok under its new social media law. This groundbreaking law, effective January 1, aims to combat the growing threat of cybercrime. Platforms and messaging services with over 8 million users in Malaysia must now secure a license to operate or face legal repercussions.
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The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) confirmed that WeChat and TikTok have successfully obtained their licenses. However, other platforms are still navigating the licensing process. Messaging platform Telegram, for instance, is in the final stages of approval. Meanwhile, Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has started the licensing procedure but has yet to complete it.
X, formerly known as Twitter, claims its user base in Malaysia does not exceed the 8 million threshold. The MCMC is currently verifying this claim. On the other hand, Alphabet’s Google, which operates YouTube, has expressed concerns about the law’s application to its video-sharing features and has not yet applied for a license.
The MCMC has made it clear that social media platforms failing to meet licensing requirements will face investigations and regulatory measures. This is part of Malaysia’s commitment to ensuring safer digital spaces for its citizens. The country reported a significant rise in harmful social media content throughout 2024, including online gambling, scams, cyberbullying, and inappropriate content related to race, religion, and royalty.
Malaysia’s social media landscape is vast and growing. According to World Population Review, WeChat boasts 12 million users in the country. Data from advisory firm Kepios highlights that YouTube has about 24.1 million users, TikTok 28.68 million users aged 18 and above, and Facebook 22.35 million users. X, in comparison, has only 5.71 million users, which could explain its decision to forgo the licensing process.
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The new law is not without its challenges. Google’s hesitation to comply underscores potential ambiguities in the legislation. The MCMC has not elaborated on YouTube’s concerns, but the platform must adhere to the rules to continue operating in Malaysia. Such cases highlight the complexities of regulating global platforms within national boundaries.
This new regulation is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it aims to protect users from harmful content and cybercrime. On the other, it could pose operational challenges for international tech companies. For instance, platforms like X and YouTube must balance compliance with local laws and maintaining their global operational standards.
Malaysia’s proactive approach could serve as a model for other countries grappling with similar issues. However, it remains to be seen how effectively these measures will address the nation’s digital safety concerns.
For more updates on this evolving story, visit M Club World or check out detailed reports on mclubworld.com. The platform provides in-depth analysis and the latest developments in tech regulations and social media trends worldwide.
Malaysia’s decision to enforce licensing for social media platforms reflects a significant step towards enhancing digital governance. While platforms like TikTok and WeChat have embraced the new regulations, others are still catching up. The coming months will reveal the long-term impact of this law on the country’s digital landscape and the global tech industry.
