Malaysia Enforces Stricter Licensing for Big Tech

New regulations demand annual licenses for social media and messaging platforms with over 8 million users, sparking industry pushback.

The Asia Internet Coalition argues the policy will stifle innovation and deter investment.
Malaysia's Communications Minister insists compliance is mandatory for continued operation in the country.
Critics fear the regulations could suppress free speech and limit criticism of the government.
The licensing framework is set to take effect from January 2025.
Malaysia's approach aligns with global trends in tech regulation, including recent actions in the EU and UK.