Kuala lumpur: Malaysia has announced a new requirement for all online messaging and social media service providers with at least 8 million users to register by January 1. This move is aimed at ensuring these large-scale service providers operate within Malaysia's legal and regulatory framework.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Communications and Multimedia Commission of Malaysia detailed the initiative in a statement. The mandate will impact platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The commission emphasized that the initiative seeks to enhance user safety, with a particular focus on protecting children and families.

The commission assured that the registration requirement would not disrupt the global operations of service providers. It stated that Malaysia's approach is in line with international practices intended to regulate large-scale online platforms effectively.

In a related development, Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced last month that the country plans to implement a social media ban for children under 16, beginning in 2026.