WhatsApp, TikTok, and YouTube must get licenses under new regulations

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has confirmed that the government has designated eight significant social media and messaging platforms that are required to obtain licenses under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 by the end of the year.

According to the New Straits Times (NST), Fahmi identified eight platforms: WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Telegram, WeChat, and TikTok.

Fahmi clarified that these platforms have a minimum of eight million users in Malaysia, which meets the licensing threshold. However, she emphasised that her intention was not to target them specifically.

He informed NST that the ministry is currently having discussions with the platforms to emphasise the significance of compliance. However, some have expressed apprehension regarding the potential impact on innovation and the difficulty of establishing local offices.

Fahmi maintained his confidence, attributing the substantial revenue generated by these platforms in the Malaysian market as justification for complying with local regulations.

He cited Meta as an example, stating that the company generates approximately RM2.5 billion annually from advertising in Malaysia. Furthermore, it is reported that Malaysians have lost more than RM400 million as a result of schemes on Meta’s Facebook. This figure accounts for 90% of the 180,000 wagering and fraud-related articles that the government has removed.

“Why are you (platform providers) so exceptional or unique that you are able to generate revenue from us, yet our laws do not apply to you?” We quoted him as saying this.

Fahmi reported that discussions with Meta are currently underway, and he also acknowledged their positive engagement with platforms such as Google and Telegram.

He emphasised that the objective is to ensure the safety of the Internet for families and children.