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The standoff between Meta and the Malaysian government has escalated as the tech giant continues to oppose new social media licensing rules designed to tackle online gambling and cybercrime.

Regulatory push meets industry resistance

Malaysia’s new policy aims to curb illegal online activity, but Meta says it goes too far.

Since January, all platforms with more than eight million local users have been required to obtain a licence from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Officials say the framework is meant to combat scams, fraud, and unlicensed gambling content circulating online.

Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil has criticised Meta for failing to comply, citing a lack of cooperation on takedown requests. Of the 168,000 removal requests sent to Facebook, around 120,000 were related to gambling, according to the ministry.

Meta insists that it already manages harmful content through its own internal systems.

Rafael Frankel, Meta’s director of public policy for Southeast Asia, said:

“WE’VE BEEN IMPROVING OUR INTERNAL SAFETY PROTOCOLS LONG BEFORE THIS REGIME WAS ENACTED. WE DON’T NEED ANY LICENCE TO CONTINUE THAT WORK.”

Meta calls for collaboration, not control

The company argues that strict rules could reduce digital safety instead of strengthening it.

Frankel warned that rigid government licensing could slow cooperation between platforms and regulators. He noted that sophisticated criminal networks often find ways to evade verification systems. Instead, he called for joint strategies involving tech firms, civil groups, and governments to tackle digital threats more effectively.

The MCMC, however, says licensing remains essential for accountability. Between 2022 and mid-2025, the commission removed more than 321,000 gambling-related posts, alongside large volumes of fraudulent or obscene content. The government maintains that such enforcement is needed to protect citizens and restore trust in online platforms.

Impact on operators and affiliates

Malaysia’s digital policies could shape future compliance trends across Asia.

For iGaming operators, the tension between Meta and regulators shows how online gambling is becoming part of wider tech regulation debates. As countries strengthen content rules, platforms could face more oversight over gambling-related ads and affiliates may need to adapt their marketing strategies.

For affiliates, stricter content controls could limit ad placements and campaign reach. Monitoring where gambling content appears, and under what licensing framework, will become a bigger part of responsible marketing in the region.

Balancing user protection and platform freedom

Meta warns that heavy-handed policies could drive users to less-regulated spaces.

Malaysia is now considering even stricter measures, including a smartphone ban for minors. Meta says such policies may create new risks by pushing younger users toward underground or unregulated digital channels. Frankel said:

“IF YOU JUST FOCUS ON BANNING SOCIAL MEDIA, YOU’RE GOING TO PUSH TEENS INTO LESS SAFE SPACES.”

For the broader industry, the dispute underlines a growing reality: governments are linking gambling regulation to broader digital control.

Operators and affiliates watching Asia’s markets will be paying close attention to how Malaysia’s next move unfolds, and what it signals for the future of online compliance.

Regulatory push meets industry resistance

“WE’VE BEEN IMPROVING OUR INTERNAL SAFETY PROTOCOLS LONG BEFORE THIS REGIME WAS ENACTED. WE DON’T NEED ANY LICENCE TO CONTINUE THAT WORK.”

Meta calls for collaboration, not control

Impact on operators and affiliates

Balancing user protection and platform freedom

“IF YOU JUST FOCUS ON BANNING SOCIAL MEDIA, YOU’RE GOING TO PUSH TEENS INTO LESS SAFE SPACES.”