MCMC Mandates Class Licence for Online Services

According to the MCMC, social networking and internet messaging services must apply for a Class Licence starting August 1.

The Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has announced that all social media and Internet messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia must apply for a Class Licence effective August 1.

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This is part of the new regulatory framework that will be implemented.

After the Communications and Multimedia Act of 1998 went into force, it would be illegal for Application Service Providers to fail to get a Class Licence under its provisions, according to MCMC, who also stated that the Act permits appropriate judicial action.

As of January 1st, 2019, the enforcement is in place.

According to a statement from MCMC, this is in keeping with the Cabinet's ruling that Internet messaging services and social media platforms must abide by Malaysian laws in order to counteract the surge in cybercrime offenses, such as online fraud and scams, cyberbullying, and sexual crimes against minors.

As previously stated by MCMC, the Communications and Multimedia (Licensing) (Exemption) Order 2000 exempted these services from licensing obligations.

"This new regulatory structure does not include its customers; rather, it only applies to services that fulfill the license eligibility requirements.

"This measure will create a safer online ecosystem and a better user experience, especially for children and families."

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An earlier appeal to action was made by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, asking social media and internet messaging services to exercise greater responsibility and make sure that their platforms are free of criminal elements.

Afterwards, Teo Nie Ching, the deputy minister of communications, stated in March that MCMC was working to finalize a framework for licensing all social media platform service providers that were present in the nation.

According to the deputy minister, this is because hazardous content is readily available on social media and through online chat services.

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