Malaysia's top cop is backing a new regulatory scheme where the communications commission automatically licenses big social platforms starting next year. Inspector General Mohd Khalid said the police force sees the move as necessary for cracking down on child exploitation material, scam operations, extremist propaganda, and other sketchy online behavior that's been running wild on these apps.
The licensing setup hits any platform with eight million users or more in the country, which means WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube all get swept into compliance obligations under local telecom law. Services can keep operating normally, but regulators are essentially forcing them onto the books as licensed providers to make enforcement easier when bad actors show up.
Police headquarters says they'll coordinate with the communications agency and other government departments to share intel faster and move quicker on harmful content takedowns.
The licensing setup hits any platform with eight million users or more in the country, which means WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube all get swept into compliance obligations under local telecom law. Services can keep operating normally, but regulators are essentially forcing them onto the books as licensed providers to make enforcement easier when bad actors show up.
Police headquarters says they'll coordinate with the communications agency and other government departments to share intel faster and move quicker on harmful content takedowns.
