Social media and Internet messaging services must apply for Class Licence from Aug 1, says MCMC

CYBERJAYA: All social media services and Internet messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia must apply for a Class Licence beginning Aug 1, said the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

This is part of a new regulatory framework that will be introduced.

Failure to obtain a Class Licence for Application Service Providers under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 after the effective date would be an offence, said MCMC, adding that appropriate legal action can be taken under the Act.

The enforcement is effective on Jan 1 next year.

In a statement, MCMC said this 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.

MCMC said previously, these services were exempted from licensing requirements based on the Communications and Multimedia (Licensing) (Exemption) Order 2000.

"This new regulatory framework only applies to services that meet the licensing eligibility criteria and does not involve its users.

"This measure will create a safer online ecosystem and a better user experience, especially for children and families."

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil prior to this called on social media and online messaging platforms to be more responsible and ensure their platforms are free from criminal elements.

Then in March, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said MCMC was in the midst of finalising a framework for licensing all social media platform service providers operating in the country.

The deputy minister said this was due to the availability of harmful content on social media platforms and online messaging services.