Social media platforms urged to comply with new Malaysian regulations

Malaysia is moving forward with a plan to regulate social media platforms by requiring them to obtain licences if they have more than eight million users. The move aims to tackle rising cybercrime in the country, with legal action possible for non-compliance by January 2025. While tech industry group Asia Internet Coalition (AIC), whose members include Google, Meta, and X, raised concerns over the clarity of the regulations, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that tech companies must respect Malaysian laws if they wish to continue operating.

The AIC initially called for a pause on the plan in an open letter to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, describing the licensing regime as ‘unworkable’ and warning it could stifle innovation by placing undue burdens on businesses. The group also highlighted the need for formal public consultation, leaving uncertainty regarding the obligations imposed on social media companies. However, the letter was later edited, removing references to the regulations being ‘unworkable’ and deleting a list of AIC member companies.

Malaysia‘s communications ministry has remained firm on the new regulations, asserting that its laws are bigger than the tech giants operating within its borders. The government has been in discussions with industry representatives and plans to conduct a public inquiry to gather feedback from industry players and the public on the regulatory framework. Despite the objections from AIC, implementing the new licensing regime is set to proceed without delay.