The government is currently reviewing whether LinkedIn will be subject to social media license requirements to continue operating in Malaysia, or vice versa. Speaking on the matter, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that he has asked MCMC to assess whether LinkedIn has more than 8 million users in Malaysia, and whether it is categorized as a social media platform.
Since January 1, 2025, Malaysia has begun implementing license requirements for social media operations for platforms with more than 8 million local users - thus ensuring that platforms are more responsible for the content published through them. It will also ensure that content in the form of fraud, scams, gambling, pornography and so on is more controlled and deleted faster in an effort to ensure that platforms are more responsible for the content on their respective platforms.
So far, TikTok, WeChat and Telegram have received their licenses, while Meta, which operates Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, is in the process of receiving their licenses. Previously, X said its user numbers did not meet the requirements for licensing, while YouTube said they were not subject to the definition of social media.
For LinkedIn itself, they stated through their official website that they had over 7 million users in Malaysia in early 2024, and may have reached or approached the 8 million mark. LinkedIn also includes content sharing elements, and interaction through comments which leads to the definition of social media. LinkedIn is a social site owned by Microsoft, which already has high investments in Malaysia.