X, Google yet to apply for social media licence: MCMC

X and Google have yet to register for their social media platform licence, according to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

This is as X said its user base is less than the threshold of eight million users, while Google - which operates YouTube - raised issues on video sharing and classification.

“MCMC is actively reviewing the validity of the user base as stated by X and will continue engagement sessions to assess X’s position.

“As for Google, there were issues raised on the video-sharing features of YouTube and its classification under the Licensing Framework.

“MCMC has deliberated on the issues raised and shall ensure YouTube, as well as platform providers meeting the licensing criteria, are bound by the duties and responsibilities to adhere to the Licensing Framework, which is now in force,” the commission said in a statement.

In the meantime, MCMC said it will continue to assess the status of other platform providers that have yet to apply for the licence and consider actions under the Communications and Multimedia Act, including investigations and regulatory actions.

It reiterated that the licensing requirement was to enhance online safety and user protection, especially for children and other vulnerable groups, and improve government oversight for service providers.

The MCMC said Tencent is the first service provider to obtain a licence for its messaging platform WeChat, followed by ByteDance for its micro-video platform TikTok.

Telegram is in the final stages of the licensing process and is expected to secure its licence soon, while Meta - which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp - is also expected to be licensed shortly.

Malaysia begins social media licensing

New policies coming into force in 2025

Deputy minister urges social media firms to apply for licence before Dec 31

Telegram, Tencent begin licensing process to operate in M'sia