The government previously announced that the implementation of licenses for social media services and internet messaging will come into effect from 1 January 2025, following the regulatory framework of the measure which was gazetted on 1 August. Accordingly, questions arise regarding the measures taken by the government against any related platforms that fail to register their respective licensing after the effective date of this regulation.
The Minister of Communications, Fahmi Fadzil said, his party does not yet have plans to restrict access to social media platforms that do not apply for an Application Service Provision Class License under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) after it is enforced later. In fact, users can still access and use the platform as usual. However, he said, it may be the last step taken by his party after taking into account all the positive and negative effects that will arise from the decision, as well as based on the Communications and Multimedia Act.
In the meantime, Fahmi also reminded that the licensing requirement aims to ensure service providers are responsible, as well as playing an important role in creating a safer digital platform for users, especially children and families. This implementation also aims to deal with online crime without restricting innovation and is said to not affect users.