KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will be undertaking a public inquiry exercise on the license requirements for social media and Internet Internet messaging service providers.
In a statement, it said it would gather feedback from relevant parties to ensure that the final framework is fair, effective, and reflective of the needs of both the industry and the public.
The ongoing engagement had been vital in developing a regulatory framework that addresses the needs and concerns of all parties, it said.
"MCMC has provided a five-month grace period to allow platforms sufficient time to comply with the licensing requirements.
"Within this period, MCMC will continue to actively engage with Service Providers to facilitate a smooth transition into the new regulatory framework by Jan 1, 2025."
It urged service providers to make every effort to ensure their operations align with local laws and regulations.
It said the licensing requirements for social media and Internet messaging service providers with a threshold of eight million users is a key step towards a safer online environment, including addressing online gambling, scams, and pornography.
It said the regulatory framework was designed to ensure the online ecosystem remains open, secure, and trustworthy for all users while encouraging innovation and investment.
"The licensing requirement for social media and Internet messaging service providers (Service Providers) with a threshold of eight million users was decided based on the need to regulate Service Providers with significant impact on the Malaysian digital ecosystem.
"The formulated class license application threshold applies to the service providers and no registration is required by the end users," it said, adding that it was dedicated to fostering a secure, innovative, and inclusive digital ecosystem that benefits all users."
It said the cabinet's approval for the regulatory framework was obtained on March 8.
Since then, it said, it had consistently engaged with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including service providers, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and law enforcement agencies.