The Malaysian government recently announced that social media companies would be required to obtain licences under the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998. The new regulatory framework comes into force on 1 January 2025.
This development is seen as a direct attempt to exert control over social media platforms, which could have far-reaching implications for the right to freedom of expression. According to the government, this will implore social media companies to be more responsible for moderating harmful content on their platforms. But is this true? What impact will it have on the right to freedom of expression in Malaysia?
ARTICLE 19 and the Centre for Independent Journalism have considered the many questions about social licensing in the specific context of Malaysia, and have responded to frequently asked questions about the increase in regulations and the government’s new licensing programme.