Govt will close unlicensed social media platforms on Jan 1, 2025

The government will shut down unlicensed social media platforms and internet messaging services on Jan 1, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.

This is if they fail to comply with instructions to apply for an Application Service Provider Class Licence under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, he said.

“Closed… that’s the power of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC),” he was quoted saying by Berita Harian at the Bagan Datuk Umno division representative meeting in Sungai Sumun.

He was responding to a question regarding actions that will be taken by the government against any social media and internet messaging service providers that disobey MCMC’s instructions.

Yesterday, MCMC said it will introduce the new regulatory framework for safe internet use by children and families on Aug 1, with implementation set for Jan 1, 2025.

The move is in line with the cabinet’s decision to ensure that social media and internet messaging services comply with Malaysian laws to address rising cybercrime, including online fraud, cyberbullying and sexual crimes against children, it said.

Previously, social media platforms and internet messaging services were exempted from licensing requirements based on the Communications and Multimedia (Licensing) (Exemptions) Order 2000.

At the event, Zahid denied claims that MCMC’s directive was politically motivated to block criticism against the government.

“What is there to be afraid of if the media is used to state the truth and introduce the true identity (of the account holder)?” he asked.

He also pointed to Singapore, which also requires the registration of media service providers, as an example.

“Many countries (require providers to) register so that every netizen is responsible for what they write, instead of hiding their hands... that’s cowardice,” he added.

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