Malaysia to deem major messaging, social-media platforms licensed from 2026

( December 15, 2025, 07:17 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: Malaysia’s communications regulator on Monday said major internet messaging and social-media platforms will be deemed registered under the country’s licensing regime from Jan. 1, 2026, bringing large-scale providers more firmly within its regulatory framework. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said the move applies to platforms with at least eight million users in Malaysia that fall under the Applications Service Provider Class License, using a legal provision that waives formal registration requirements. Affected services include WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Once deemed registered, providers must comply with the Communications and Multimedia Act and related regulations, license conditions, and other applicable Malaysian laws, with non-compliance potentially resulting in fines or other enforcement action. Foreign platforms will also be required to appoint a local representative and provide company and compliance information to the regulator.Statement follows. FAQs are attached. ...