Malaysia’s communications regulator announced on Monday that major internet messaging and social media platforms with at least eight million users in the country will be automatically deemed registered as Class License holders beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

In a statement, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said the platforms will be recognised as Class License holders for Applications Service Providers, or ASP(C), under a special dispensation provided for in the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

The move is aimed at ensuring that large-scale service providers offering internet messaging and social media services in Malaysia operate within the country’s legal and regulatory framework in an orderly, consistent and effective manner, the regulator said.

The decision builds on Malaysia’s licensing framework for internet messaging and social media service providers, which came into force on Jan. 1, 2025, and is intended to strengthen accountability and compliance with Malaysian law. The MCMC said the initiative would also clarify platform responsibilities, particularly in enhancing user safety and protecting children and families online.

According to the statement, the deeming provision will apply to service providers that meet the prescribed criteria, including major global platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. The provision will take effect from Jan. 1, 2026.

Platforms that are already registered as ASP(C) licensees will remain registered, and the new arrangement will only apply after their existing registration periods expire.

The MCMC stressed that the affected service providers will continue to operate their global platforms as usual. It added that the approach is consistent with international practices for regulating large-scale online platforms.

The regulator said it will continue to work closely with service providers and relevant law enforcement agencies to strengthen online safety measures, with a particular focus on protecting children and families, for the benefit of all users in Malaysia. (ILKHA)