Four Social Media Titans Move to Comply Licensing Requirements

By The Malketeer

WeChat, TikTok Lead Malaysia’s Licensing Push 

As Malaysia tightens its grip on digital regulations, four major internet messaging and social media platforms have taken critical steps to comply with the nation’s licensing requirements.

This move is poised to reshape the landscape for online platforms in the country, setting a precedent for regulatory adherence and user safety.

WeChat Takes the Lead in Licensing

In a landmark achievement, Tencent’s WeChat became the first platform to secure the Applications Service Provider Class (ASP(C)) licence under Malaysia’s revised regulatory framework.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) lauded WeChat for its proactive approach, signalling a new era of accountability for internet messaging services.

Following suit, ByteDance’s TikTok successfully obtained its licence, marking another milestone in Malaysia’s bid to regulate online platforms.

Meta and Telegram Near the Finish Line

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is in the process of completing its licensing requirements.

Meanwhile, Telegram has entered the final stages and is expected to secure its licence soon, according to MCMC.

The commission emphasised the importance of these measures in ensuring user safety, particularly for children and vulnerable groups, while enhancing regulatory oversight.

X and YouTube Yet to Commit

While most players are making headway, two giants remain on the sidelines. X (formerly Twitter) has not submitted an application, citing a user base in Malaysia that allegedly falls below the required threshold of 8 million.

MCMC, however, is actively reviewing this claim to ensure accuracy.

Similarly, Google faces hurdles concerning YouTube’s video-sharing features and their classification within the licensing framework.

Discussions between MCMC and Google are ongoing, with the regulator determined to bring YouTube into compliance.

Safeguarding Malaysians in the Digital Age

MCMC has stressed that platforms failing to meet licensing requirements may face investigations and regulatory action under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

The regulator highlighted the government’s commitment to creating a safer online environment through these licensing measures.

“These efforts are pivotal in fostering a secure digital space for Malaysians, especially for protecting children and vulnerable groups,” MCMC stated, applauding the service providers taking proactive steps toward compliance.

As platforms like WeChat and TikTok set the tone for responsible digital governance, the spotlight now falls on Meta, Telegram, X, and YouTube to follow suit.

The regulatory push underscores Malaysia’s dedication to strengthening online safety while setting a global example for balancing innovation with accountability.

This evolving regulatory framework not only raises the bar for service providers but also ensures that Malaysian users benefit from enhanced protection and a safer digital ecosystem.