Malaysia Forces Global Social Media Giants to Obey Local Law

Malaysia has moved to directly control major social media platforms. New rules state that any platform with over eight million users in the country is now automatically licensed under Malaysian law. The change, announced Thursday by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), took effect January 1. It closes a legal gap where several global tech giants operated for over a year without formal approval from regulators. Now, platforms like TikTok, Meta's Facebook and Instagram, and others meeting the user threshold are subject to the conditions of a Malaysian license. This gives the government direct regulatory power over them. The shift coincides with Malaysia's new Online Safety Act. Officials argue the combined measures are necessary to combat harmful online content, including cyberbullying and fraud. Critics, however, warn the laws could be used to stifle free expression and increase government censorship. The automatic licensing means platforms must now navigate local rules or risk penalties, potentially altering how Malaysians use the internet.