Social Media Executives Now Liable Under New Online Safety Law

By Lara Kramer  •  03 Mar 2026 in News

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The government says it now has the power to take legal action against top executives of major social media platforms, even if they are based overseas, following the enforcement of a new online safety law on 1 January.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said any messaging or social media platform with eight million or more users in Malaysia is automatically considered registered under the law.

According to her, the move ensures that all platforms operating in Malaysia comply with local laws and regulations. Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, she explained that licensed platforms must adhere to directives issued by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. Failure to comply could result in legal consequences.

Teo added that if a company commits an offence, those in charge of its operations, including directors, chief executives, managers, or other controlling figures, may also face charges.

However, she said these individuals can avoid liability if they are able to prove that the offence occurred without their knowledge or consent, and that they had taken reasonable measures to prevent it.

The law also requires platforms to appoint a local representative in Malaysia, whether an individual or a company, to receive legal documents and handle any legal proceedings.

Teo confirmed that five platforms have complied with this requirement: Meta, WhatsApp, Google, Telegram, and TikTok.

She was responding to a question from Suhaizan Kaiat (PH-Pulai), who asked whether the government would pursue legal action against platform owners such as Mark Zuckerberg or Elon Musk if their platforms breach Malaysian laws while operating from abroad.

In a later statement to FMT, Teo clarified that the law’s extra-territorial powers apply specifically to licensed entities, meaning enforcement is linked to a platform’s licensing status.

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