Malaysia May Lower Social Media Regulation Threshold After AI Grok Misuse
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 — In response to recent incidents involving the misuse of artificial intelligence tools, the Malaysian Ministry of Communications...
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 — In response to recent incidents involving the misuse of artificial intelligence tools, the Malaysian Ministry of Communications is actively considering a revision to the regulatory framework governing social media platforms. Specifically, the ministry is examining the feasibility of lowering the user threshold that determines which platforms must register as Application Service Provider Class [ASP(c)] licence holders under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Effective January 1, 2026, all Internet messaging and social media service providers with eight million or more users in Malaysia are automatically deemed registered as ASP(c) licence holders. This provision, implemented under Section 46A of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, aims to ensure that large-scale digital service providers operate within the country's legal and regulatory framework in an orderly, consistent, and effective manner. However, recent events have prompted a reassessment of this threshold.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil highlighted that this review is directly linked to issues involving the AI tool “Grok,” which was found to generate harmful and obscene content targeting women and children, thereby violating Malaysian law. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive study to determine an appropriate adjusted threshold. Minister Fahmi emphasized that while platforms such as TikTok and Facebook boast substantial user bases in Malaysia, others like X (formerly Twitter) have not reached the current eight-million mark. Nevertheless, the misuse of Grok has underscored the necessity of revisiting the user count criteria to enhance regulatory oversight.
“We are in the process of evaluating this because while platforms like TikTok and Facebook are very popular in Malaysia, X might be less so. However, given the issues with Grok, the Ministry and MCMC see a justification to review the decision regarding the user count in Malaysia,” Minister Fahmi stated. He further delegated the responsibility to the MCMC, saying, “I leave it to the MCMC to study what limit is appropriate and what actions need to be taken.” This announcement was made following the Lembah Pantai Level Early Schooling Assistance Handover Ceremony at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Bandaraya.
The move comes after the MCMC's December 15 announcement, which clarified that the user threshold was designed to ensure that large-scale service providers comply with national regulations. However, the recent restriction on AI Grok, ordered by the MCMC on January 11 due to repeated misuse for generating pornographic and explicit content, has accelerated the need for regulatory adjustments. The temporary restriction on access to Grok for Malaysian users, effective immediately, highlights the government's commitment to safeguarding digital spaces from harmful content.
In addition to revising the user threshold, the government is also exploring the implementation of age verification mechanisms for social media platform users. Minister Fahmi revealed plans to utilize three official government-issued documents—MyKad, passport, and MyDigital ID—for this purpose. The proposed Electronic Know Your Customer (EKYC) identity verification system aims to establish age limits, drawing inspiration from successful implementations in other countries while adapting to Malaysia's unique context.
“We are looking into the Electronic Know Your Customer (EKYC) identity verification mechanism. We see that several countries have successfully implemented age limits, but the mechanism we will use will be different due to Malaysia’s uniqueness. We have mechanisms like MyKad, for example, which not all countries have. Since some of these aspects are unique to Malaysia, we will work on it according to our own mold,” Minister Fahmi explained.
This dual approach—adjusting the user threshold for ASP(c) registration and introducing age verification—reflects a broader strategy to strengthen digital governance and protect users, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children, from online harms. The initiatives underscore the government's proactive stance in addressing emerging challenges posed by advanced technologies like AI, ensuring that regulatory frameworks remain responsive and effective in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
As the MCMC proceeds with its study, stakeholders, including social media platforms and digital rights advocates, will be closely monitoring developments. The outcome of this review could significantly impact how social media services operate in Malaysia, balancing regulatory compliance with innovation and user safety. The government's efforts to tailor solutions to local needs, such as leveraging MyKad for age verification, demonstrate a commitment to context-specific governance that prioritizes national interests and public welfare.
In summary, the Malaysian Ministry of Communications is taking decisive steps to enhance social media regulation in the wake of AI tool misuse. By reconsidering the user threshold for ASP(c) licensing and advancing age verification measures, the government aims to foster a safer and more accountable digital environment. These actions signal a forward-looking approach to digital policy, aligning regulatory frameworks with contemporary technological realities and societal values.
