The licence will be introduced on Aug 1, with enforcement effective from Jan 1. The new policy is aimed at creating a safer internet environment for children and families, MCMC said.

The new regulations will apply to social media platforms and not users, and are likely to affect large services such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, TikTok, WeChat, Snapchat, Line, Telegram, and YouTube.

It is unclear whether online meeting platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet, or publishing platforms such as Newswav, Substack, and Medium are affected.

MCMC said in a statement today that the new regulatory framework is in line with the Cabinet’s decision that social media services and internet messaging services must comply with Malaysian laws, to combat the rise in cybercrime offences including scams and online fraud, cyberbullying, and sexual crimes against children.

“This measure will create a safer online ecosystem and a better user experience, especially for children and families,” it said.

MCMC said social media services were previously exempted from licensing requirements. “This new regulatory framework only applies to services that meet the licensing eligibility criteria and does not involve its users,” it said.