Story perspectives

Malaysia Licenses Major Social Media Platforms for Safety

1/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

On January 1, 2026, Malaysia began licensing major social media and messaging platforms, addressing a regulatory gap.
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced platforms with over eight million users are automatically licensed.
The policy aligns with Online Safety Act (ONSA) 2025, which expands regulators' authority to manage harmful content and risks.
Harris Zainul of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia called it a bold step enforcing ONSA.

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Story summary

On January 1, 2026, Malaysia began licensing major social media and messaging platforms, addressing a regulatory gap.
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced platforms with over eight million users are automatically licensed.
The policy aligns with Online Safety Act (ONSA) 2025, which expands regulators' authority to manage harmful content and risks.
Harris Zainul of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia called it a bold step enforcing ONSA.