Synopsis
Malaysia has ordered TikTok to explain its slow response to offensive content targeting the royal family. The platform failed to promptly remove fake videos and manipulated images. Authorities are demanding TikTok strengthen its moderation and enforcement. This action is part of Malaysia's wider effort to increase oversight of digital platforms and ensure online safety.Listen to this article in summarized format
The Communications and Multimedia Commission said the move followed the circulation of "grossly offensive, false, menacing and insulting" content, including AI-generated videos and manipulated images linked to an account falsely claiming association with king Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar.
Such matters fall within the sensitive issues of race, religion and royalty "which are highly sensitive and may undermine public order, national harmony and respect for constitutional institutions," the regulator said in a statement.
Despite prior notifications and engagements, it said TikTok's moderation response especially in ensuring the prompt removal of such content and preventing further dissemination was unsatisfactory.
It said TikTok - which has not publicly commented on the case - has been issued a legal notice that requires it to explain its moderation failures and undertake immediate remedial measures, including strengthening its content moderation mechanisms and improving enforcement against content that violates Malaysian laws and community standards.
The commission said social media platforms operating in Malaysia are expected to exercise greater responsibility in preventing unlawful and harmful activities on their services.
It warned it would continue to take "firm and proportionate action" to ensure digital platforms comply with their responsibilities in maintaining a safe and respectful online environment.
The move comes amid Malaysia' s broader push to tighten oversight of digital platforms, with authorities in recent years stepping up enforcement against social media companies over harmful content, scams, online gambling and material deemed offensive or threatening to public order.
TikTok did not respond to a request by The Associated Press for comment.
