Google, Meta, and X Still Don’t Have Malaysia’s Social Media Licence

You'd think tech giants like Google, Meta (the company behind Facebook and Instagram), and X (formerly Twitter) would have everything sorted when it comes to legal requirements—but in Malaysia, they're still not fully licensed to operate as social media providers.

According to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, all three companies have yet to obtain the Application Service Provider (ASP) class licence, which is now mandatory for platforms with over eight million users in Malaysia.

So, what's the holdup?

Each Company, A Different Story

Meta (Facebook & Instagram) isn't saying no—they just want a sit-down with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) before moving forward with their application. Seems like they want some clarity before signing the dotted line.

X, on the other hand, is playing the numbers game. Elon Musk's platform argues that it doesn't even have eight million users in Malaysia, so it shouldn't be required to apply for the licence at all.

The government is currently giving X some leeway, but that won't last forever. Fahmi made it clear that there will be a final deadline coming soon. "Regardless of the issue or concern, this must come to an end," he emphasized.

Who's Already Licensed?

So far, the only major platforms that have secured their licences are:

TikTok

WeChat

Telegram

The government is also reviewing whether LinkedIn has crossed the eight-million-user mark, which would then require it to get the licence too.

Why This Matters

This move is part of Malaysia's effort to hold social media platforms accountable, especially when it comes to content regulation and public safety. By enforcing licensing, the government ensures these companies follow local laws more closely.

While some of the big names are dragging their feet, it's clear the government isn't planning to wait around much longer.

Google, Meta, and X Still Don’t Have Malaysia’s Social Media Licence – Here’s What’s Going On