PUTRAJAYA, May 21 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has issued a statutory demand against social media platform TikTok for failing to take appropriate action within a reasonable timeframe to block and remove extremely offensive, false, and threatening content, as well as fake accounts targeting the royal institution.
It said the action was taken following the spread of content linked to an account purportedly associated with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia.
“The content contained extremely offensive, false, threatening, and insulting statements. It also included videos generated using artificial intelligence as well as manipulated images, which may not only contravene Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, but also other criminal laws in Malaysia,” the MCMC said in a statement today.
The statutory demand requires TikTok to implement immediate corrective measures, including strengthening its content monitoring and moderation mechanisms.
“TikTok is also required to ensure more effective enforcement against content that violates Malaysian laws and the platform’s community guidelines,” it said.
MCMC emphasised that the platform must also provide an official explanation regarding its failure to address the harmful content.
Although prior notifications and engagements had been carried out, TikTok’s handling of the content was found to be unsatisfactory, particularly in ensuring its immediate removal and preventing its further dissemination.
“MCMC views seriously any misuse of online platforms to spread extremely offensive, false, threatening or harmful content that could disrupt public order, especially when it involves the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Malay Rulers.
“This falls within the highly sensitive 3R (race, religion, and royalty) context, which could undermine public order, national harmony, and respect for constitutional institutions,” it said.
MCMC added that it will continue taking necessary and proportionate regulatory action within its jurisdiction, including legal action where appropriate, to address the misuse of online platforms.
“Social media service providers must act responsibly and swiftly in addressing unlawful, harmful, or public order-threatening content, particularly matters involving 3R sensitivities,” it said.
