Malaysia: Communications and Multimedia Commission clarified declaration to render social media and messaging platforms with 8 million or more users registered beginning 2026 (Declaration No. 87 of 2025)

On 15 December 2025, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission clarified that Declaration No. 87 of 2025 will render social media and messaging platforms with 8 million or more users registered beginning 1 January 2026. The original order required social media and instant messaging providers with more than 8 million users in Malaysia to obtain a class licence to operate within the country, while exempting those with a smaller user base. They were also required to comply with the Communications and Multimedia Commission's (MCMC) ethical and conduct requirements, which include measures concerning user data protection, age verification, online harm mitigation, and content moderation. The change will bring platforms such as WhatsApp, TikTok, Telegram, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube under Malaysian regulatory oversight.