The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has on Thursday issued a Statutory Demand to TikTok following the platform’s failure to take sufficient and timely action in moderating offensive and defamatory content directed, as well as fake accounts against the Malaysian Royal Institution.

The action arises from the circulation of content associated with an account purporting to be linked to Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim, MCMC said in a statement.

The content in question includes material that is grossly offensive, false, menacing and insulting in nature, including artificial intelligence (AI)-generated videos and manipulated images, which not only may contravene Section 233 of the CMA 1998, but also other penal laws in Malaysia.

MCMC said it takes serious view of any misuse of online platforms to disseminate content that is grossly offensive, false, menacing or detrimental to public order, particularly where it involves the institution of the King and the Malay Rulers.

Such matters fall within the broader context of 3R (Race, Religion and Royalty) issues, which are highly sensitive, undermines public order, national harmony and respect for Constitutional Institutions, it noted.

“Despite prior notifications and engagements, TikTok’s moderation response to the content has been found unsatisfactory, particularly in ensuring prompt removal and preventing further dissemination of harmful material,

“As a platform rendering social media services in Malaysia, service providers are expected to exercise a higher degree of responsibility in safeguarding their services against exploitation for unlawful and harmful activities,” it said.

The issuance of the Statutory Demand requires TikTok to undertake immediate remedial measures, including strengthening its content moderation mechanisms and ensuring more effective enforcement against content that violates Malaysian laws and community standards and also provide a formal explanation regarding its moderation failures.

MCMC emphasizes that it will continue to take necessary and proportionate action within its regulatory powers, including further legal measures where appropriate, to address the misuse of online platforms.

Social media service providers are expected to act responsibly and expeditiously in addressing content that is unlawful, harmful, or threatens public order, particularly in matters involving 3R sensitivities, it said.

MCMC said it 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.

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