Malaysia: Social media licensing

The Malaysian government recently announced that social media companies would be required to obtain licenses under the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998. The new regulatory framework will be introduced on 1 August 2024, with enforcement effective 1 January 2025. This development is seen as a direct attempt to exert control over social media platforms, which could have far-reaching implications for the right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed in the Federal Constitution of Malaysia. According to the government, this will implore social media companies to be more responsible for moderating harmful content on their platforms.

ARTICLE 19 and the Centre for Independent Journalism prepared some responses to frequently asked questions surrounding the increased social media regulations with this new licensing program and its relationship with freedom of expression.

Read the FAQ here