X and Google Fail to Apply for Malaysia's Social Media License by January 1, 2025, as WeChat and TikTok Obtain Approval

Jan 2, 2025, 05:32 AM

Malaysia's new social media operating license law, which took effect on January 1, 2025, has seen major platforms X, operated by Elon Musk, and Google, owner of YouTube, fail to apply for the required licenses. The country's internet regulator confirmed that neither platform submitted applications by the deadline. In contrast, local platforms WeChat and TikTok have successfully obtained licenses to operate under this new regulation. X has cited its user base of under 8 million in Malaysia as a reason for not applying, while Google has disputed YouTube's classification under the new law.