KUALA LUMPUR – Elon Musk-owned social media platform X has informed Malaysian regulators that it does not meet the minimum eight million user threshold required for a service provider licence, despite its apparent popularity in the country.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is now verifying X’s claim before determining whether the platform must be registered under the Application Service Provision Class Licence (ASP(C)), Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said in a written parliamentary reply yesterday.
“The service provider has informed us that its user base in Malaysia does not reach the required threshold for licensing. MCMC is obtaining further information on the user numbers claimed by X and will assess whether it needs to be registered,” he said.
Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (Pasir Mas-PN) had asked the minister to explain the delays faced by several social media platform operators in obtaining the ASP(C) licence, which is required before the January 1, 2025, deadline.
Under the new licensing framework that took effect on January 1, 2025, social media and internet messaging service providers with at least eight million Malaysian users must obtain an ASP(C) licence.
So far, three platforms – WeChat, TikTok, and Telegram – have secured their licences, while Meta, which operates Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is in the process of completing its documentation for approval.
Meanwhile, Google has raised concerns about whether YouTube should be classified as a social media platform, arguing that it is primarily a video-sharing service. MCMC is currently evaluating the platform’s features to determine if a licence is necessary.
Fahmi said the government is conducting a detailed review of the licensing framework to ensure effective enforcement and a safer online environment.
He also reiterated that platforms, licensed or otherwise, have been cooperating with authorities to regulate harmful content.
He noted that YouTube has removed 5,115 pieces of content out of 5,167 requested between January 1 and February 12, mostly involving gambling advertisements. However, he pointed out that Telegram had only acted on 39% of takedown requests due to limited moderation capacity.
“We not only view the regulatory framework as important but also understand the operational context for these platforms and help them streamline and simplify the actions that need to be taken,” he said.
The new licensing requirements are part of Malaysia’s broader efforts to create a more secure and accountable digital ecosystem. – March 4, 2025