Since January 1, 2025, the government has implemented a licensing process for messaging and social media services that have 8 million users and more. This has made services such as Facebook, TikTok, and others subject to registering to obtain an operating license in Malaysia.
However, only a few services have officially registered, and there are a number of social media services that have not done so. In an effort to overcome this, the government will now implement the Deeming Provision effective January 1, 2026. Under it, all internet messaging and social media service providers with eight million or more users in Malaysia will be deemed registered and subject to the Application Service Provider Class License licensing framework.
This will ensure that social media and internet messaging services are subject to national legislation and regulation in an orderly, consistent and effective manner. This measure also ensures that the social platform takes responsibility, especially when it comes to user safety, and also protects children and families.