Malaysia orders TikTok to address ‘defamatory’ content about king | Social Media
Malaysia’s Internet Regulator Orders TikTok to Address Offensive Content
Watchdog instructs social media giant to strengthen moderation policies after dissemination of harmful material regarding the monarchy.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia’s communications regulator has directed TikTok to take immediate action against content deemed “offensive and defamatory” toward the nation’s monarchy.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) issued the order on Thursday, following concerns about an account allegedly linked to King Sultan Ibrahim.
In its statement, the MCMC emphasized the need for TikTok to enhance its content moderation policies and provide a formal explanation for its inability to prevent the posting of “grossly offensive, false, menacing, and insulting” material. This includes AI-generated videos and manipulated images.
The regulator expressed serious concern regarding the use of online platforms to distribute content that contradicts public order, particularly in relation to the monarchy. The MCMC noted that TikTok’s previous responses to notifications concerning this issue were found to be “unsatisfactory.”
TikTok, a platform owned by Chinese tech firm ByteDance, had not responded immediately to requests for comments.
The MCMC stated, “We will continue to take firm and proportionate action where necessary to ensure digital platforms operating in Malaysia uphold their responsibilities in maintaining a safe, secure, and respectful online environment.”
Under Malaysia’s constitutional monarchy, laws enacted in 1948 penalize speech that is perceived to foster “hatred or contempt” against the royal family.
This directive against TikTok is part of a broader initiative by Malaysian authorities to regulate social media. Earlier this year, the MCMC temporarily blocked access to the AI assistant Grok amid global criticism over its use for creating sexually explicit images without consent.
Moreover, the Malaysian government is moving forward with legislation enacted last year that restricts social media usage for individuals under age 16, following similar regulatory actions in countries such as Australia, Indonesia, and France.
