Malaysia's New Rules for Social Media and Messaging Players

What does Malaysia's new regulatory requirements for internet messaging and social media services entail? How could they impact businesses and users alike? Enterprise Explores dives into these questions and more.

Starting August 1st, all social media and internet messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia must apply for a Class A Application Service License under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. This new framework, set to be fully enforced by January 1st, 2025, aims to enhance online safety and accountability.

Joining us today to discuss the key licensing requirements, potential impacts, and broader implications are Ong Johnson and Lo Khai Yi, Partners at law firm Halim Hong & Quek, who jointly lead the Technology Practice Group. We'll explore how these regulations could affect social media platforms, businesses, and end-users, addressing concerns about investment deterrents, censorship, and enforcement challenges.