Zang Nianchun: Social Media Platforms Must Apply for Operating Licenses by December 31

(Kuala Lumpur, 28 Dec) – The Ministry of Communications has issued a final warning! Deputy Minister Zang Nianchun reminded all social media platforms that they must submit their applications for the Application Service Provider (ASP) licenses by December 31, 2024.

As of now, Telegram and WeChat are the only two platforms that have submitted their applications. The other six major platforms still need to apply for the relevant licenses.

At an event for the "Madani National Film Development Corporation Artist Assistance Program" (Program Ziarah Seni MADANI FINAS), Zang Nianchun praised Telegram and Tencent's WeChat for being the first to initiate the application process in compliance with Malaysia’s operating license requirements.

The other six platforms that need to apply include Meta's Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp; ByteDance's TikTok; X (formerly Twitter); and Google's YouTube. The application deadline is December 31.

Zang emphasized that social media platforms wishing to serve Malaysian users and profit from their services, especially when Malaysian users pay for advertising to promote or sell products, must respect Malaysian laws.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) also stressed the importance of platforms applying early to comply with the new Application Service Provider (ASP) licensing requirements, which will officially take effect on January 1, 2025. MCMC stated that this requirement aims to enhance online safety, protect user rights, and strengthen regulatory oversight of network communication and social media platforms.