Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is nearing the final stages of securing an Application Service Provider (ASP) Class Licence in Malaysia. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil revealed this while discussing social media licensing on RTM's 'On The Table' program. Other platforms like Google and X (formerly Twitter) are undergoing evaluations to assess their compliance. Google's YouTube Shorts are deemed similar to social media, despite Google's argument against being classified as such. The government is also engaging with Microsoft regarding LinkedIn's user base exceeding eight million, prompting discussions about potential licensing and addressing job scam concerns. The Minister emphasized the government's commitment to enforcing licensing for platforms exceeding the user threshold while balancing regulation with freedom of expression and online safety, particularly for children.
The social media giant Meta is in the final stages of securing an Application Service Provider Class Licence in Malaysia, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He said that while Google has argued that it is not a social media platform, the ministry maintains that certain parts of its YouTube platform, such as YouTube Shorts, function like social media, similar to TikTok. The Communications Minister also revealed ongoing discussions with Microsoft, the owner of LinkedIn, following reports indicating the platform’s Malaysian user base could exceed eight million in the first quarter of 2025.
Fahmi also emphasised the government’s commitment to enforcing licensing for platforms that exceed the regulatory user threshold, while balancing regulation with freedom of expression and ensuring online safety.
SOCIALMEDIA LICENSING MALAYSIA META GOOGLE LINEDIN ONLINE SAFETY REGULATION FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
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