ISTANBUL

Malaysia announced Monday that all online messaging and social media service providers in the country with at least 8 million users must register by Jan. 1.

The Southeast Asian nation's Communications and Multimedia Commission said in a statement that the move aims to ensure that large-scale service providers operate within Malaysia’s legal and regulatory framework.

The implementation of the deeming provision includes platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, according to Free Malaysia Today.

“This initiative also ensures that all platforms involved bear clearer responsibility for user safety, particularly in safeguarding children and families,” the commission also said.

It added that this would not interfere with the global operations of service providers, saying its approach aligned with international practices aimed at regulating large-scale online platforms.

Last month, Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the country aims to implement a social media ban for children aged under 16, effective starting in 2026.