Malaysia demands TikTok explain content targeting king
Malaysia has ordered TikTok to explain and address what it described as the social media platform’s failure to take swift action against offensive, defamatory and fake content targeting the royal institution.
The Communications and Multimedia Commission said the move followed the circulation of “grossly offensive, false, threatening and derogatory” content, including artificial intelligence-generated videos and manipulated images linked to an account falsely claiming to be in a relationship with King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar.
Such matters fall under sensitive issues such as race, religion and copyright, which are “extremely sensitive and may undermine public order, national harmony and respect for constitutional institutions”, the regulator said on Thursday.
Despite previous notifications and interactions, TikTok’s lukewarm response was insufficient, especially in terms of immediately removing such content and preventing its further spread.
TikTok, which has not publicly commented on the case, said it had been issued a legal notice requiring it to disclose moderation errors and take immediate remedial measures, including strengthening 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 take on greater responsibility in preventing illegal and harmful activities on their services.
It warned it would continue to take “robust and proportionate action” to ensure digital platforms comply with their responsibilities to provide a safe and respectful online environment.
The move comes amid Malaysia’s broader efforts to tighten its grip on digital platforms; Authorities have stepped up sanctions against social media companies in recent years for harmful content, fraud, online gambling and material that is offensive or threatens public order.
TikTok did not respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.
